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
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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
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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 ...
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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.
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

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

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
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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
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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
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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.