Starting this week, the Comet has formed new relationships with Columbia College, and School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties to where their students, employees and faculty can show their ID cards and receive a free ride on all of the Comet fixed route buses, unrestricted.

The new partnerships help train the new generation on how to be public transit riders, as well as provide additional mobility for employees and faculty to get to and from their jobs.

Students, employees and faculty attending School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties that go to Irmo High School have access to the Comet Route 83L along Harbison Boulevard and St. Andrews Road. Students, employees and faculty attending Columbia College have access to the Comet’s The 101 route along North Main Street.

These partnership build upon already existing partnerships with Richland One and Richland Two where their students, employees and faculty are able to ride the Comet fixed route services. In addition, the University of South Carolina provides funding for Route 91 service to Midlands Technical College – Airport Campus for their students to have access to classes there.

“The Comet is excited and thankful for these partnership with Columbia College, Richland One, Richland Two, UofSC and School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties” said John Andoh, Executive Director/CEO of the Comet. “These partnerships helps encourage the youth to learn about public transportation, reduce of absenteeism in our schools and colleges and creates mobility options for those whom need access to other quality of life activities beyond school, like after school activities, jobs and entertainment.”

“A lack of adequate transportation should never be a barrier to obtaining a good education,” said Chairman Ron Anderson of the Comet Board of Directors.

For more information call 803-255-7100, email: [email protected] or visit www.catchthecomet.org.