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.

“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.