COMET Chat with John Andoh – September 2020

As summer ends and we gear up for fall, our focus turns to the reopening of our schools, colleges and universities. On September 1, we launched UofSC Transit powered by The COMET in partnership with the University of South Carolina. UofSC students and faculty are now able to ride UofSC Transit powered by The COMET (formerly the Carolina Shuttle) free of charge. This provides better transportation access for UofSC students, employees and contract workers that use The COMET system for a seamless experience. The general public will also be able to ride UofSC Transit powered by The COMET at the same fare as it costs to access The COMET services. Additionally, as safety and security are a priority, the buses have up to nine cameras within the vehicles, providing increased safety for UofSC students.

This month, we are launching two major initiatives designed to gather input from business leaders and the community we serve in order to ensure that our system meets the needs and exceeds the expectations of those who live and work in the Midlands.

The first initiative, Reimagine The COMET, rolled out the beginning of this month with a website launch and radio spots encouraging the public to let their voices be heard regarding improvements to the system including where and how often buses run. Let your voice be heard by visiting ReimagineTheCOMET.org or by calling 803.743.1128.

The second initiative is The COMET Academy, a leadership development program for those interested in understanding how public transit works. The COMET hosts the program at no charge to attendees. The 2020 session will be held virtually once a week on Mondays, from September 28 through October 26 for 60-minutes, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The five-week intensive will provide an in-depth, behind the scenes look at The COMET transit system. The purpose of The COMET Academy is to develop and equip allies of public transit by arming them with information to be strong advocates on transit’s behalf and to possibly take active leadership roles as potential members of The COMET Board of Directors or to serve in other capacities. We are excited to bring these initiatives to the community and hope you will consider participating.

Lastly, we will launch two new mobility programs for citizens of the Midlands who are underserved by the present transit system. The funding for the mobility programs is made possible through a Federal Transit Administration grant.

The Volunteer Transportation Reimbursement Program (V-TRIP) and The COMET Pick-Up Program (PUP) were developed through a partnership with Able SC. Eligibility for both programs is available for people who are 65 and older and those with disabilities living outside The COMET service area but in the Columbia Urbanized Area. These programs help provide a seamless way The COMET can deliver transportation services to include those areas where we may not have a regular bus route.

For V-Trip, a program participant will be given funds to pay his or volunteer driver in the form of a reimbursement for mileage according to the federal mileage reimbursement rate. Volunteer drivers can be a friend or a neighbor. All trips must begin or end in the Columbia Urbanized Area. Reimbursement is available up to 100 miles per month, per program participant to pay the volunteer driver.

With PUP, a taxi or rideshare service will be available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The program provides a 50% discount up to $50 per month. Once applicants have completed the required training, turned in their application, and DART eligibility, Half Fare Program participation, or age of 65 or older has been confirmed, they will receive a Taxi Voucher Card for use with any participating rideshare or taxi of their choice. All trips must begin or end in the Columbia Urbanized Area to receive voucher funds.

With new service, new initiatives and new programs, this season promises to be one of great progress for The COMET and the people of the Midlands.

Please reach out to me anytime if you have any thoughts, comments or questions about The COMET at 803.255.7087 or email [email protected].