COLUMBIA, S.C. — Catch The COMET to See the Fireflies at Congaree National Park!
The COMET and the Congaree National Park has formed a partnership to transport area residents and visitors to the Congaree National Park as a trial on Friday, May 24, 2019, Saturday, May 25, 2019 and Sunday, May 26, 2019.
Buses will start at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia direct to the Congaree National Park Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
"In the past, they've run out of parking spaces," said John Andoh, Executive Director of COMET. "People are parking on the streets and they have a traffic congestion issue."
Multiple buses will shuttle passengers from the fairgrounds and Congaree National Park every 30 minutes starting at 7 p.m. Last bus will depart the fairgrounds at 9 p.m. and the last bus will depart the Harry Hampton Visitor Center at 10:35 p.m.
Parking is extremely limited at Congaree National Park and the National Park Service is urging people to use The COMET shuttles. Parking is free at the fairgrounds.
The fare to ride the shuttle is $2.00 one way or $4.00 for an All-Day Pass, which allows unlimited access to The COMET transit system for the entire day. 50% discount is available for seniors (65 years old & older), persons with disabilities and Medicare card holders.
Free rides available for students attending and employees working at Richland One and Richland Two schools, Nephron Pharmaceuticals and Prisma Health employees, DART passengers and children under the age of 15.
"Our seats are comfortable. We have WiFi, cell phone charging ports on our buses. Hopefully people can enjoy those amenities while getting a stress-free ride to the national park," said Andoh. "Just want to help be part of the solution in making it easy for people to get there stress-free."
Starting July 1, 2019, regular service to Congaree National Park will occur on Route 47 – Eastover, every two hours, Monday through Friday between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Saturday between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. every 2 hours. Route 47 starts at Garners Ferry Walmart and travels through the Lower Richland communities of Eastover, Gadsden and Hopkins.
For more information on these shuttles, call (803) 255-7100, TDD/TTY: 711 or email info@CatchTheCOMET.org