COMET launches vanpooling service

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The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority has launched the COMET Vanpool, a new transportation alternative for Richland and Lexington counties, in partnership with Commute with Enterprise, a carpooling service of Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

The vanpool’s first vehicles hit the road earlier this year, providing transportation to employees at ECM Support Services, according to a news release. The program, available to companies looking to provide the vanpool as an employee benefit, is open to all organizations in the Columbia metropolitan area at a monthly subsidy of $500 per vehicle, according to the release.

A study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (.pdf) found that the average Columbia-area commuter spends $951 annually in lost time and wasted fuel in traffic.

“A lack of public transit service combined with traffic congestion can be a real barrier to employment, educational and cultural opportunities,” John Andoh, COMET executive director, said. “We're working hard to come up with innovative solutions like our vanpool service, which is being supported by Commute with Enterprise, to help ensure that communities throughout our region have access to these opportunities and to relieve the stress of commuting for people across the central Midlands.”

Commute with Enterprise works with company leaders to find commuting solutions that can help improve employee recruiting and retention. According to the release, ridesharing can save employees who commute an average of 100 miles per day up to $10,000 a year by reducing the costs of tolls, gas and vehicle maintenance.

“Enterprise is supporting The COMET as it brings positive change to the Columbia area,” Commute with Enterprise spokesperson Neil Semcheski said. “Our mission is to provide commuters with a more convenient way to get to and from work, ensuring that everyone has access to transportation choices that can take them where they need to go safely and efficiently.”