Making transportation more accessible and affordable with The COMET

January 22, 2021 / Global

The COMET has partnered with Uber to help people in Richland and Lexington counties get around more easily and affordably with the The COMETs Pick Up Program (PUP). Through the program, The COMET will fund a portion of PUP trips to help eligible riders 65 years or older and people with disabilities access a reliable ride when they need one.

About the The COMET’s Pick Up Program (PUP)

The Pick Up Program provides a 50% discount up to $50 per month. Terms apply.* The COMET Pick Up Program is available in the Columbia Urbanized Area, including:

Arcadia Lakes
Cayce
Chapin
Columbia
Forest Acres
Gaston
Gilbert
Irmo
The town of Lexington
Pelion
Pine Ridge
South Congaree
Springdale
Summit
Swansea
West Columbia

Want to see if you’re eligible for the Pick Up Program?
All potential program participants should call The COMET at 803-602-4824 or email mobility@TheCOMETSC.gov to schedule a visit. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive an email from Uber Transit with an invitation to join the program.

*No cash value. Maximum discount of $50 per month. To redeem discount, rider must be applied to Transit agency Profile account section of the Uber app before requesting the first ride within Columbia Urbanized Area of Lexington and Richland counties, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For details on eligible transit zones see HERE. Uber Profiles does not apply to tips. Terms subject to change or cancellation. Limited availability. Issues involving redemption and/or use of the Uber Profile program should be directed to The COMET at mobility@TheCOMETSC.gov.

How it works

Open the Uber app
Don’t have the app? Download it to your iOS or Android device here.

Toggle on your transit profile
Tap the briefcase icon above the request button to do this.

Request the UberX ride option while within an eligible area during an eligible time
Trips taken any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) are eligible to be covered. See the map below for the areas in which trips are eligible.

Eligible Pick Up Program areas

The COMET’s Pick Up Program (PUP) rides that begin or end within the Columbia Urbanized Area shown below, any time and every day are eligible for a discount.

The COMET Pick Up Program (PUP) service area

Map description: Above is a map of Columbia. The red lines show where The COMET routes go. The blue shaded area is The COMET’s 3/4 of a mile DART service area. The shading is the Columbia Urbanized Area. The thick line circling everything else is the counties’ boundaries. Fully included areas in the Columbia Urbanized Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

View this step-by-step guide on how to set up your Transit Agency profile account

How do I join the program?

Once applicants have completed the required training, turned in their application, and DART eligibility, Half Fare Program participation, or age of 65 or older has been confirmed, they will receive up to $50 a month for use with any eligible trip
Which rides are eligible?

All trips must begin or end in the Columbia Urbanized Area to receive funds.
Where can I find my program invitation?

Tap the link in the invitation email and follow the steps to connect to your The COMET PUP account. For the best experience, complete this process on your mobile phone.
Do I need to tip my driver or is it included?

Tip is not included in your Pick Up Program account. Tipping is up to the choice of the rider.