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    • Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) (The Comet)

    Columbia, SC 29201

    COMPANY OVERVIEW

    About Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) (The Comet)

    Contact

    3613 Lucius Road
    Columbia, SC 29201
    http://www.catchthecomet.org/
    803.255.7085

    More Info on Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) (The Comet)

    The Comet
    Comet Logo 11057822

    The COMET is a service of the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority and provides countywide public transit services on 34 fixed routes, five ReFlex services, with a vanpool service, subsidy programs with Lyft and Uber, 10 bikeshare stations in Columbia and DART ADA complementary paratransit service throughout Richland and western Lexington Counties. The COMET transports more than 2.8 million passengers annually on a fleet of more than 80 buses, vans and trolleys. Transit services are provided under contract with RATP Dev USA Inc.,  of Fort Worth, Texas.

    Catch The COMET‚ we will take you there!

    Products and Press Releases

    The Comet
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    Management

    The COMET Board of Directors appoints Maurice Pearl as its executive director/CEO

    Nov. 30, 2023
    Pearl brings more than 20 years of public transit experience, with a strong operational background highlighting safety and labor relations.
    The COMET
    COMET Chat photo.jpg
    Management

    The COMET partners with local TV station to air vignettes aimed at promoting transit use

    July 6, 2023
    The 30-second COMET Chats, feature the authority’s new “pawsitivity” specialist, Ming-Ming, and are designed to educate those unfamiliar with The COMET discover how they can travel...
    The COMET
    Jackie Bowers (left) and Pamela Bynoe-Reed (right).
    Management

    The COMET announces two directors have completed Westgate Center for Leadership and Management Development Transit Paratransit Management Certificate Program

    Jan. 6, 2023
    With Jackie Bowers, director of operations, and Pamela Bynoe-Reed, director of marketing and community affairs, completing the program, all of The COMET’s executive staff have...
    The COMET
    Jackie Bowers The Comet07072022by Michael Dantzler 2
    Management

    The COMET names Jackie Bowers director of operations 

    Aug. 3, 2022
    Bowers will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the prime contractor to ensure service is being delivered every day and she will continue to direct the ...
    Bus

    The COMET suspends services in Batesburg-Leesville beginning July 1

    June 27, 2022
    The decision was made by the organization’s board of directors due to low ridership on the route.
    The COMET
    F Rxw Ir1 Xmair Va I The Comet
    Management

    The COMET rolls out new service plan aimed at improving on-time performance

    May 6, 2022
    The COMET is implementing new technology to achieve increased efficiency and deliver enhanced service to its customers.
    The COMET
    The Comet
    Management

    Derrick Huggins named interim executive director of The COMET

    Nov. 2, 2021
    Huggins, who has served on The COMET's Board of Directors for more than 10 years, brings more than 30 years of experience in transportation to the position.
    Management

    The COMET’s Lifeline 31-day transit pass now available to low-income residents in Richland County, S.C.

    Oct. 25, 2021
    A limited budget will be available to non-profit organizations that aid low-income residents upon filling out a request for donation form through the recently adopted pass donation...
    The COMET
    Pam Bynoe Reedby Michael Dantzler (2)
    Management

    The COMET names Pamela Bynoe-Reed director of marketing and PIO

    March 9, 2021
    She will oversee several responsibilities, including the strategic direction and execution of marketing, outreach and public relations.
    The COMET
    The Comet
    Safety & Security

    The COMET launches ‘Don’t Miss Your Shot’ campaign

    Feb. 5, 2021
    The Midlands Transit Organization is working to inform and transport people to vaccine locations.

    Articles & News

    The COMET
    Derrick Huggins, interim CEO and executive director of The COMET.
    Management

    The COMET announces death of Interim CEO and Executive Director Derrick Huggins

    Mass Transit Staff Report
    Oct. 11, 2022
    Huggins was a long-time board member of The COMET before being appointed as interim CEO; COO LeRoy DesChamps will assume oversight of the authority until the board makes a plan...
    Michael Dantzler/The COMET
    COMET bus riders receive free 45-minute passes for Blue Bike.
    Shared Mobility

    Transit as a Mobility Integrator

    Megan Perrero
    April 21, 2021
    By strategically incorporating various mobility services, The COMET seamlessly addresses unmet needs of the community by providing specialized services for niche groups previously...
    The Comet
    Central Midlands Transit Executive Director Robert Schneider.
    Home

    Top 40 Under 40 2013: Robert Schneider

    Sept. 13, 2013
    Central Midlands Transit Executive Director Robert Schneider.

    All content from Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) (The Comet)

    The COMET
    Comet
    Shared Mobility

    The COMET and Able-SC debut two new mobility programs for seniors and people with disabilities

    Jan. 20, 2021
    The Volunteer Transportation Reimbursement Program and Taxi Voucher Pick Up Program were developed through a partnership with Able SC.
    The COMET
    The Comet
    Safety & Security

    The COMET partners with SC DHEC to provide COVID-19 testing to riders

    Dec. 21, 2020
    SC DHEC has set up a testing kiosk at COMET Central, the transit hub located on the corner of Sumter and Laurel streets.
    The COMET
    The COMET and community partners will analyze the current bus network and recommend changes to the system.
    Bus

    The COMET releases concepts for new transit future

    Nov. 13, 2020
    The Reimagine The COMET invites public input to create a more efficient bus network.
    The Comet
    Comet Twitter
    Management

    The Comet, University of South Carolina announce new contract

    June 30, 2020
    Bus stops, shelters and buses will be maintained and sheltered by The COMET as part of the contract, giving the university access to bus system management and expertise while ...
    The Comet
    The upgraded hub was renamed to Comet Central.
    Infrastructure

    Improved and upgraded Comet Central reopens downtown with mandatory mask requirement

    June 17, 2020
    The reopening on June 16 also included upgrades to the Columbia Place Mall SuperStop off of Two Notch Road.
    The COMET
    Comet
    Management

    The COMET awards new service contract for fixed route and paratransit services

    June 2, 2020
    Current employees will be actively engaged in transition training and will be able to bid for positions with the new company.
    Bus

    The COMET to offer lifeline 31-day transit pass to low-income residents in Lexington County

    Feb. 25, 2020
    The COMET will offer bus passes at a rate of 50 percent off the Basic, Discount or Express prices on a 31-day pass.
    Management

    The Comet announces organizational changes

    Feb. 7, 2020
    The agency has named a new COO, CFO and director of regulatory compliance and civil rights officer.
    Bus

    The COMET expands services in Batesburg-Leesville and Lexington starting Jan. 23

    Jan. 17, 2020
    The service will provide three tips to West Columbia and two trips to Batesburg-Leesville.