COLUMBIA, S.C. — With the right accommodations, Steve Cook, who is blind, can navigate the day successfully.
"One way that helps," Cook said, "...coming up my steps, I know it's nine steps for me once I leave the sidewalk and get to the porch."
The COMET transit system's Dial-A-Ride (DART) service gets him to work by providing low-cost rides to those with disabilities who can't take other forms of transit.
"I work at the Commission for the Blind," Cook said. "I work with kids... for assistive technology that they need to succeed in life."
But, on Wednesday, DART was unavailable to those in Lexington and Richland Counties.
"Got a call from DART dispatch. They said, 'Mr. Cook, I just want to let you know, we do not have any drivers for today,' I was like, 'Wow,'" Cook said.
The COMET said the disruption occurred after drivers did not report to work due to a contract dispute.
"People that have disabilities, like myself, I can't drive," Cook said. "I have to depend on taxis, rideshares."
Negotiations with drivers are being handled by an outside contractor who oversees them, according to The COMET.
That contractor said its partners have been in "active, good-faith negotiations" and will continue to work toward a fix.
News19 also reached out to a labor union the contractor said represents the drivers, but it declined to comment.
While waiting, Cook took a rideshare to work Wednesday.
"I'm not sure what they're striking for, but I hope you come back soon," Cook said. “Think of your ridership that you take to and from appointments, to dialysis. Think about us."
Able SC serves those with disabilities and said taxis, rideshares, and medical transportation can be helpful while the service is unavailable. However, these services come with some challenges, including cost, availability, and a willingness to accept those with service animals.
It's unclear when the DART service will return to normal operation.