Columbia Transit Fare Rules & ADA Accessibility

Transportation South Carolina 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina riders should understand how transit fares and ADA-accessible services are administered in the region served by The COMET. This guide summarizes official fare rules, ADA paratransit eligibility and application steps, enforcement pathways, common violations, and how to appeal or request accommodation. It focuses on practical actions for riders, operators, and advocates, and points to official agency sources for forms, contacts, and complaint procedures so you can apply, appeal, or report an issue with confidence.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of fare payment and onboard conduct in Columbia is carried out by The COMET and its designated staff, with support from local law enforcement when necessary. Official pages describe fare rules and accessibility services but do not list detailed penalty schedules or statutory fines on the passenger-facing fare or accessibility pages; where precise monetary penalties or citation procedures are not published, this guide notes that the amount or process is "not specified on the cited page." For official fare information see The COMET fares page[1] and for ADA/paratransit rules see The COMET accessibility pages[2].

  • Fines for fare evasion: not specified on the cited page; check The COMET for any published citation policy.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: operators may issue warnings, deny boarding, require off-vehicle removal, or refer incidents to law enforcement; specific suspension or exclusion terms are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcers and complaints: primary enforcer is The COMET (operations and customer service); complaints and incident reports should be submitted via The COMET customer service or complaint channels listed on agency pages.[2]
  • Appeals and review: The COMET provides customer service and grievance procedures for service denials and ADA eligibility determinations; exact time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the agency.[2]
If you are denied boarding or cited, document the vehicle ID, time, and staff name and contact The COMET promptly.

Applications & Forms

  • ADA paratransit application: The COMET publishes instructions and an ADA paratransit application on its accessibility pages; fees are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Customer service and complaint form: See The COMET contact or feedback form for how to submit complaints or request review; specific submission deadlines are not specified on the cited page.

Service Access & ADA Eligibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires comparable service for riders with disabilities where fixed-route service is not accessible. The COMET describes its ADA paratransit eligibility criteria and how riders can apply for complementary paratransit; eligibility determinations, the scope of service, and any trip limits are described on agency accessibility pages rather than in a city ordinance. For the latest eligibility process and required documentation, consult The COMET accessibility information.[2]

Apply early for ADA paratransit eligibility; processing can take several weeks.

Common Violations

  • Riding without paying a valid fare or pass.
  • Refusal to comply with operator safety instructions.
  • Using ADA paratransit improperly when not eligible.

FAQ

How much is a local fare on The COMET?
Fare amounts and pass options are published by The COMET; specific current fares are listed on the agency fares page and should be confirmed there.[1]
How do I apply for ADA paratransit?
Apply via The COMET ADA/paratransit application and follow the documentation instructions on the accessibility page; see the agency accessibility page for the application link and submission steps.[2]
Who enforces fare rules and how do I appeal a decision?
Enforcement is handled by The COMET and local law enforcement as needed; appeal and grievance procedures are available through The COMET customer service—confirm time limits and process with the agency.[2]

How-To

  1. Gather documentation of disability and identification required by The COMET for ADA eligibility.
  2. Complete the ADA paratransit application available on The COMET accessibility page and submit per the instructions.[2]
  3. Contact The COMET customer service to confirm receipt and ask about decision timelines.
  4. If denied, request the agency’s formal appeal or grievance procedure and follow submission instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm current fares and pass options on The COMET fares page before you travel.[1]
  • Apply early for ADA paratransit; allow several weeks for processing.[2]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] The COMET - Fares
  2. [2] The COMET - Accessibility and ADA Paratransit

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