The Comet Logo

COMET Central Testing and Shots

COVID Vaccine date for October is 10/24/2022 from 9 am until 2 pm. Those receiving COVID-19 vaccines or boosters may receive a $50 gift card while supplies last.
This transit hub is located at the corner of Laurel and Sumter streets.
FREE VACCINE AND TESTING!
Through a partnership with Health Force, The COMET has set up a vaccine site at COMET Central in the back gated parking lot. No appointment is necessary, however if you want to reserve a spot contact: Health Force at 1–844-579-1500 or www.HealthForceUs.com. COVID-19 testing is also available at COMET Central through Health Force.

Vaccination and testing times: 
Beginning October 1, 2022:
Monday, October 24, 9:00 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Times will fluctuate due to inclement weather

Don’t Miss Your Shot!

Free rides to vaccination sites via The COMET.
You can ride The COMET for free to take you where you need to go to receive your vaccine. Below are the major vaccination locations and corresponding COMET routes. You may need to show proof of your vaccine appointment to the bus operator.

Don’t see your location?

View other locations here.

If you are 65 years of age or older and/or you have a disability, our services are here for you.

DART
Provided within 3/4 of a mile of either side of a The COMET shared, non-express, fixed route bus. 

Call 803.255.7123 for reservations Monday – Friday, 9-5. Specify that you are going to your COVID-19 vaccine appointment. You may need to show proof of your vaccine appointment to the bus operator.
DART Icon
PUP
Mobility Program:
The COMET Pick Up Program
The COMET Pick Up Program gives you a debit card to pay up to $50 a month in taxi, Lyft or Uber rides. Registration required.
PUP Icon
Available if you:
1. Live outside The COMET service area.
2. Live inside Richland or Lexington County.
3. Live inside the Columbia Urbanized Area.

Call Brittany Terry, Mobility Management Specialist to register and get started at 803-834-2382 (TTY/TDD: 711) or email: [email protected].
V-TRIP Mobility Program: Volunteer Transportation Program
V-TRIP lets riders get money back to pay the people in their life who drive them. If you have a friend from church, work, school, or the neighborhood, who gives you a ride this program may help cover gas. You can travel up to 100 miles a month and a list of trips made must be submitted monthly to be reimbursed. Registration required.
V-Trip Icon
Available if you:
1. Live outside The COMET service area.
2. Live inside Richland or Lexington County.
3. Live inside the Columbia Urbanized Area.

Call Brittany Terry, Mobility Management Specialist to register and get started at 803-834-2382 (TTY/TDD: 711) or email: [email protected].

COVID-19 Resources

Catch The COMET to Get Your Vaccine

The COMET transit services are always available to get you to where you need to go. However, to receive the vaccine, you must first:
Questions Icon
1.
Check to see if it’s your turn using the link below.
2.
If it IS your turn, find a location and make an appointment by using the link or calling DHEC staff 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., 7 days a week at 866.365.8110.

Still have questions about transportation to your appointment?

Call us at 803.255.7100
Green flameBlue Flame

The COMET Fights COVID

When the state and the country were suddenly struck with the COVID-19 pandemic and all the implications, The COMET went to work. 

The COMET immediately worked to establish some of the most stringent cleaning and safety measures in the transit industry including mandating masks for all drivers and passengers, upgrading the buses with barriers between the drivers and passengers to minimize exposure, following protocols for tracing and tracking, requiring bus operators and staff to use multiple temperature check stations upon reporting for shifts and increasing disinfection of all vehicles and facilities. Along with the daily sanitizing of facilities, The COMET established a process to notify the public if a customer-facing employee tests positive for COVID-19 for the purpose of contact tracing to minimize spread. The COMET is working hard to keep the community safe while continuing to provide vital transportation to the people of the Midlands.
Safe People Illustration

COVID Rules of the Road to Remember

Mask Icon
Masks or other face coverings are strongly recommended when accessing all COMET buses, vehicles and facilities. This is for the safety and well-being of our bus operators, passengers, and employees.
Routes Icon
Travel on fixed route must be one-way to a specific location – no continuous riding without a destination.