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Regional transit agency briefs Cayce council on ridership growth, service and funding
Summary
Maurice Pearl, executive director of the Comet, told Cayce City Council that the regional transit agency has expanded routes, increased ridership and relies mainly on Richland County sales tax for funding; council members asked about local stops and paratransit services.
Maurice Pearl, executive director of the Comet, described the agency’s expansion and funding to the Cayce City Council on Feb. 19. "We cover the Central Midlands region, and we are a quasi governmental agency," Pearl said, outlining routes that serve Cayce and neighboring counties.
The presentation summarized ridership and capital changes dating to 2012: miles traveled rose about 40% (from just over 1,600,000 to roughly 2,300,000 in 2023); the agency added 29 routes (to 47 total) and 29 buses (from 68 to 97); ridership grew from about 1.4 million in 2012 to about 1.9 million in 2023 and topped 2 million in 2024; and passenger amenities expanded from 15 benches and no shelters in 2012 to about 160 shelters and 196 benches by 2024.
Pearl gave a brief funding breakdown: 72% of the Comet’s funding comes from the Richland County sales tax, 9% from intergovernmental sources, 11% from fares and contract services, 7% from operating and non‑operating revenue, and 1% from Lexington County. He also cited American Public Transportation Association estimates that public transit generates economic returns for every dollar invested.
Council members and residents asked how the agency handles requests for new stops and services in Cayce. Pearl said the Comet collects public feedback—including input gathered during outreach for the penny sales tax renewal—and forwards requests to Lexington County as part of service‑planning discussions. He said the agency considers adding stops, shelters or benches when appropriate.
Pearl noted specific services that affect Cayce: routes 91, 92X and 96 run through the city, and the Comet currently runs about 26–28 trips through Cayce each weekday. He also described DART paratransit service for riders who cannot use fixed routes, which operates within three‑quarters of a mile of fixed‑route stops and covers areas including Killian Road, Forest Acres, Lower Richland, Columbia and Lexington County. Fares are $2 per trip or $4 for an all‑day pass; the agency also offers a trip planner and route schedules on its website.
Council members expressed appreciation for the service and asked staff to continue coordinating with the Comet on local needs.
