How To Enjoy Free Soda City Connector Comet Buses

Comet Buses Launch Free Soda Cap Connector Routes

Columbia, SC (WOLO)– The Comet buses launch their new Soda Cap Connector which is going full speed ahead.

“It’s free, so there’s no cost. We just want people to try it. Leave your cars in the parking lots, leave them on the streets, and just get on the vehicle because you don’t have to pay anything. Just try it out for one time, at least. Maybe at lunch time,” Anne August said, the interim executive director of Comet buses said. 

The Soda Cap Connector has two routes, from the vista to Five Points, and from the Vista to Taylor street. Both running every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. They hit all of the hot spots of downtown Columbia.

“I think the bottom line is providing a system that will meet the needs of the people. And this is a test, a pilot program. And this pilot program will get people interested and be a very promotional piece,” Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson said. 

With the pedal to the metal, they are excited to get people to try the free ride and see all that Columbia has to offer.

“And get on the bus and just see what it’s like and how convenient it is. And I think this is a way of making it more convenient,” Dickerson said. 

“I think it’s going to pick up pretty quick,” August said. 

So far, people are all aboard the idea of “catching the cap,” and connecting these neighborhoods.

“Oh yeah, I’d consider getting on the bus. Definitely. If I was under a time crunch and I was running late, I’d probably hop on the bus real quick. Yeah,” Hunter Price, a local resident said. 

“I think if they extended the time by a couple more hours. I think that would really benefit a lot of people. Just because when you’re walking around Columbia you find yourself looking over your shoulder or down alleys and stuff just because like, walking to five points is a hike. I think I’d definitely be interested in riding the bus down to five points at night,” Spencer Seymour said, another local. 

“I need some more information on it, just like time wise. I but would only ride it to the horseshoe. It’s about a 20-minute walk from our apartment. But if it was convenient to me I would definitely ride it.  It would save a lot of time. I just got to find out more, you know,” Price said. 

“I’d love to, I love free buses. Can’t pass it up. It helps people get around the city,” Brad Kaptinski said, a local resident. 

“I don’t see who wouldn’t benefit from a free bus ride around the main hot spots in Columbia,” Seymour said. 

The free Soda Cap Connector route 1 stops by the State Museum, Edventure, Lincoln Railroad, State House, Main Street District, USC Horseshoe, and Five Points.

Route 2 stops at the State Museum, Edenture, Lincoln Railroad, State House, Main Street, USC Horseshoe, Benedict College, Allen University, and Richland County Administrative.

The wheels on the bus are still turning,  they also unveiled a Blythwood Express. Which runs every week day. In the morning there are two trips from 6:15 to 8:00. In the afternoon three trips, from 4:30 to 6:37. The trips hit Blythewood Doko Meadows Park, Palmetto Health Richland, Huger Street, Vista, USC Horseshoe, and the Transit Center. Fares for this trip is $2.50 one way, but 31-day cards are accepted.