COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has selected The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) to be a recipient of just under a $3 million grant in the FTA's Low or No Emission Vehicle Program.
With the $2,935,190 grant, The COMET will be able to purchase battery electric and fuel cell buses along with charging equipment and supportive infrastructure. The COMET will also be able to add more economical fueling sources in the maintenance mix, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and gain skills to expand the zero-emission fleet as the agency works toward its goal of improved air quality.
“We are so excited to have this opportunity to contribute to improved air quality in our region and are grateful to the FTA for the funding to help make this happen,” said Michelle Ransom, The COMET’s Grants and Regional Coordination Manager.
The grant application process has taken four years to complete, Ransom said, but the funds will be applied to purchases as soon as possible with oversight from COMET leadership and board of directors.
All recipients of FTA funds must ensure compliance with all applicable Federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, FTA circulars, and other Federal administrative requirements in carrying out this project, including any environmental determination, real property acquisition, and programming in the TIP/STIP.
The COMET serves Richland and Lexington counties with 34 fixed routes as well as UofSC Transit, 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 eastern Lexington Counties and eight Blue Bike bikeshare stations in downtown Columbia.