COMET to offer increased service to Lower Richland
August 29, 2023
More transit service will soon be available to residents in the Lower Richland community. The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) announced that Route 47 will change from a Reflex route to offering Fixed route service beginning Monday, September 25. Per policy, The COMET is providing early notification allowing riders a chance to adjust to the change.
The service will operate at a two-hour frequency Monday through Friday from 5:28 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. beginning and ending at the Crowson Road Superstop. Saturday service will operate from 9:28 a.m. until 3:23 p.m.
Service on Route 47 offered fixed route service up until 2020 when it was changed to a Reflex route due to the pandemic. Since that time, demand has increased, leading board Vice Chairman, John V. Furgess, Sr., to push for reinstatement to fixed route service.
“There are people in this community who depend upon us to get them where they need to go-to the doctor, to work, to school – and they have been supportive of us,” said Furgess. “It’s time for us to be supportive of them as well.”
“As we come back from having to reduce service because of COVID-19, we wanted the community to know that The COMET is listening to them and what is essential for their transportation needs. We are pulling in all resources because we know they depend upon us,” added Interim Executive Director/CEO, LeRoy DesChamps. “When we think about essential services to the community, we may not be lifesaving, but we are certainly life sustaining.”
Route 47 serves Eastover, Hopkins and Gadsden.
About The COMET
The COMET, also known as the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority, provides countywide public transit services on 47 fixed routes, USC Transit powered by The COMET, OnDemand/ReFlex services, vanpool service for commuters, subsidy programs with Uber and Lyft and DART for transportation to grocery stores and at night, ADA complementary paratransit service throughout Richland and portions of Lexington Counties and a tour circulator in Downtown Columbia. The COMET transports approximately 2.4 million passenger trips a year on a fleet of more than 90 buses, vans, and trolleys. Transit services are provided under contract with RATP Dev USA, Enterprise Holdings, Lyft and Uber. For additional The COMET information, please call (803) 255-7100, TDD/TTY: 711 through the relay service, email: [email protected] or visit www.catchthecometsc.gov.
