I recently read an article in AARP Magazine (yes, I am eligible for AARP!) about Mayor Steve Benjamin and the transformation of the Comet and public transportation under his leadership. Decades ago, SCE&G operated Columbia’s bus system, but it relinquished that responsibility to the City of Columbia in 2002. Without private funding, the quality of our public transit system declined, and route cuts left many citizens without convenient access to transportation. When Mayor Benjamin took office 2010, he fought for a 1% sales tax increase to pay for transportation projects—a fight he lost. The situation deteriorated further until Steve Benjamin and others rolled up their sleeves and sallied forth, and in 2012, the penny tax to fund Columbia’s transportation projects passed!

Though the tax has led to some controversy, one cannot dispute that our investment in the Comet bus system has proven successful. Between 2012 and 2017, the Comet’s ridership grew by 70%, and today the Comet is thriving. Its service has expanded with new routes—including a route to Lexington and Batesburg-Leesville added just yesterday—and new busses equipped with WiFi. The Comet has even partnered with ride-sharing services to provide discounted fares to individuals traveling to and from the supermarket, ensuring that Columbia’s residents have convenient and affordable access to grocery stores. While the Comet is especially invaluable to anyone without a personal vehicle or driving privileges, all Columbians can and should make use of this resource. Given the rising cost of fuel, overcrowded thoroughfares, and shortage of parking downtown, I suggest we all embrace the Comet and commit to further maximizing the potential of Columbia’s public transport!