News

Did you know that The COMET has made remarkable strides since 2012 because of the Richland County Penny Tax? Your penny really is at work with The COMET. With the Richland County Penny Tax, of which The COMET receives one-third, The COMET has been able to improve services in many ...

By Maurice Pearl, Executive Director/CEO for Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (TheCOMET) Since November of 2023, I have had the honor of being at the helm of The COMET, the Midlands’ public transportation system. I recently reflected that our day is comprised of thirds, one-third for sleep, one-third for leisure, ...

Richland County’s penny tax has been instrumental in The COMET's success, allowing The COMET to expand many of its services and its overall impact across the Midlands.  So, what exactly is the Richland County Penny Tax? In 2012, Richland County residents voted to approve a referendum for the Transportation Penny ...

The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority is currently accepting applications for the third year of The COMET Academy, a leadership development program for those who’d like to learn about the public transit system.   The goal of The COMET Academy is to create community members who serve as a resource and ...

The Soda Cap Connector is a safe and affordable way to explore some of Columbia’s top attractions. Whether you are a tourist or local to the area, the Soda Cap Connector can get you to many of downtown Columbia’s major destinations! The Soda Cap Connector takes the stress out of ...

Sarah Mae Flemming is a champion and hero of civil rights thanks to her brave contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in 1954. Her legacy and actions were instrumental in helping end segregation in the U.S. Flemming was born June 28, 1933 as the oldest of seven children. She grew ...

Since 2013, the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) has been known to the public as The COMET. This came after the Transportation Penny Tax Program was approved by Richland County in 2012. This program enacted a 1% sales tax that raised funds for transportation in Richland County. 

COLUMBIA, SC- The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) launched a comprehensive campaign titled ‘Don’t Miss Your Shot’ in early 2021 to ensure every Midlands community member has access to the COVID-19 vaccine. After the COVID-19 vaccinations were first made available in December in 2020, The COMET wanted to ...

You can get toy buses the following ways for $20.00 (sales tax included): Visit Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority Transit Station located at the 1780 Sumter Street between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Come to our main ...

Through Commute With Enterprise, The COMET will subsidize $500 per month for each vanpool group formed. Vans must originate or end in Richland or Lexington Counties. For more information, click here to sign up or call 1-800-VAN-4-WORK. Download The COMET Vanpool Brochure Download Carpool vs. Vanpool flyer