COLUMBIA, S.C. — The COMET, Columbia's public transit system, has a new director and an update on the Lucius Road "Super Stop."
Neighbors in the Earlewood area have asked about The COMET construction at Lucius Road and River Drive.
According to spokesperson Pamela Bynoe-Reed, the location has been under construction since late 2022, and there are plans to transfer some routes at Lucius Road's new "Super Stop" to other routes.
According to Bynoe-Reed, a "Super Stop" is a frequented stop that typically involves over two route transfer options.
"We're getting a third party to make sure that the structure is viable, that we've checked all our boxes and make sure that it's safe for the public, and also we've been holding town hall type meetings virtually and some in-person to get the ridership involved," Bynoe-Reed said.
She said The COMET is strategizing which routes to transfer and which to leave.
"To have some buses reroute there to take some of the pressure off of Sumter Street; we're still evaluating that now," Bynoe-Reed said.
She said the new Lucius Road location will not replace COMET Central downtown.
Instead, it will be a "Super Stop," like others near Columbia Mall and Crowson Road and able to accommodate more ridership. According to the COMET, there is no opening date for the "Super Stop" on Lucius Road.
The COMET also has a new CEO brought on in November. Bynoe-Reed said Maurice Pearl has more than 20 years of experience in transportation. His position will direct the future of The COMET.
"I know he is passionate about making public transportation accessible to everyone and in making sure that our system is as efficient and as modernized as possible," Bynoe-Reed said.
The COMET said it is pinpointing a date for its next community town hall meeting. New information will be shared on COMET's Facebook page or website.