Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority, better known as The COMET, is working with Central Midlands Council of Governments on the project Reimagine The COMET.

This is an in-depth study that takes a deeper look at the services that are currently provided and uses data + public feedback to help identify ways to improve.

Currently, The COMET offers a number of routes that run once every 30-60 minutes on weekdays. Weekends have limited schedules on both Saturday + Sunday.

Take a look at the map below for a better understanding of the routes that are available at midday (peak time) in pre-pandemic times.

Map of COMET routes | Image via Reimagine The COMET

You might wonder why this is happening.

In Columbia, like many other cities with public transit, public transportation is declining. In Richland + Lexington counties, a lot has changed in the last five years when you consider the growth of the area, the demographic and technology that is now available. Today, folks in the Midlands have more options when making a trip (think Uber or bike shares).

This project has three goals:

🚌 Improve the experience for existing customers

🚌 Grow new + more frequent ridership

🚌 Provide efficiency + effectiveness

There are two main concepts on the table. The first option would offer more frequent service + the second would extend the service to reach more riders to areas and residents that may not have had access before. Or there could be a combination of the two.

Basically, the more frequent choice could provide up to four routes that would run every 15 minutes. The extended service option would add additional lines, offering additional 30-60 minute frequency routes, to more residential areas to reach more people.

Image via Reimagine The COMET’s Transit Choices Report

What can we expect?

Reimagine The COMET is expected to wrap up by summer 2021. The project team has been evaluating existing conditions, conducting research and collecting public comments. The main question they are asking is, “what do riders and potential riders want from The COMET bus service?”

The team is working to develop up to three potential alternative route changes for each route in the system. Then by the Spring of 2021, the public can submit input on the alternative route systems, with the new system in place by the Fall.

The next virtual public meeting is Dec. 9 from 6-7 p.m. Until then, visit the website to get more updates on this project + take the survey.

Poll

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