METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

The COMET To Provide COVID-19 Testing To Riders

The agency partners with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to provide free COVID-19 testing to riders.

by METRO Staff
December 17, 2020
The COMET To Provide COVID-19 Testing To Riders

SC DHEC has set up a testing kiosk at COMET Central, the transit hub located on the corner of Sumter and Laurel streets. Testing is scheduled four days per week, Wednesday through Saturday.

Credit:

The COMET

2 min to read


The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET), in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), will provide free COVID-19 tests for passengers of the bus system.

SC DHEC has set up a testing kiosk at COMET Central, the transit hub located on the corner of Sumter and Laurel streets. Testing is scheduled four days per week, Wednesday through Saturday.

Ad Loading...

“We are grateful for the wonderful partnership developed with SC DHEC. They have truly been remarkable in providing resources to the public and to The COMET,” said John Andoh, executive director/CEO of The COMET. “In the midst of the holiday season, we want to ensure the continued safety of our riders as they go about their essential travel. Providing free testing for them is another way that we are serving the community.”

The announcement is the latest initiative by The COMET to help its passengers to continue to ride safely. Testing is also provided for The COMET staff and bus operators monthly.

Since the start of the pandemic, The COMET has implemented a number of cleaning and safety measures, including mandatory mask requirements, the installation of multiple temperature check stations for drivers, plexiglass barriers between the drivers and passengers to minimize the possibility of any COVID-19 exposure, and increased disinfection of all vehicles and facilities.

SC DHEC also provides low to no-cost community testing resources that can be accessed here.

More Security and Safety

Security and SafetyJanuary 22, 2026

Researchers Identify Top Risk Factors for Pedestrian-vehicle Crashes at Massachusetts Bus Stops

While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
CTA railcar in station.
Technologyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

CTA Innovation Studio Expands Pilot to Reduce Smoke, Odors

The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New MCTS Bus design.
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

Milwaukee Rolls Out New Measures to Enhance Bus Safety

MCTS officials said the new pilots are part of a broader commitment to improving the rider experience through proactive, visible safety strategies that balance enforcement with customer support.

Read More →
Transit signal priority and public transit agencies.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 16, 2026

How AI is Redefining Transit Operations and Signal Priority

In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 15, 2026

SEPTA Crime Rates Continue Downward Trend, Report Finds

In addition, Transit Police reported strides in stepped-up enforcement of fare evasion and quality-of-ride offenses.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

People Movement: Vontas Names New GM and Much More

METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

Read More →
A overhead view of an LA Metro rail station platform.
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 13, 2026

LA Metro Launches Care-Based Public Safety Division

The new division brings ambassadors, outreach, and crisis response together to improve safety, coordination, and rider experience systemwide.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanDecember 23, 2025

Establishing Standards & Codes in Canada, with CSA’s Ana-Maria Tomlinson

In this latest episode of METROspectives, we explore the evolving role of transit standards, including how they're responding to emerging technologies, climate change, and the growing need for equity and sustainability.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A an image of a CTA bus with text reading "FTA Warns Chicago to Strengthen Transit Safety Plan or Lose Millions in Funding."
Security and Safetyby StaffDecember 22, 2025

Federal Transit Administration Warns Chicago to Strengthen Transit Safety Plan or Lose Millions in Funding

USDOT found the Chicago Transit Authority’s safety plan insufficient to safeguard commuters on buses and rail, as crime on Chicago transit approaches a decade-high.

Read More →