Columbia, S.C. – On September 25, 2024, the Columbia Area League of Women Voters hosted a presentation on the upcoming 2024 Richland County Transportation Penny Referendum, focusing on its potential impact on the county’s public transportation system, The COMET.
Maurice Pearl, Executive Director and CEO of The COMET, led the presentation, discussing how the referendum would provide crucial funding for the transit system’s future. If approved, the referendum is expected to generate $4.5 billion over the next 25 years, with 22% of those funds designated for The COMET. This funding would continue the 2012 Transportation Penny without introducing any additional taxes.
Pearl highlighted how the 2012 Penny has helped improve The COMET’s services and noted the importance of sustaining this momentum through the 2024 referendum. He stressed that voters should be well-informed about how the funds will impact not only public transit but also the broader development of Richland County.
“The COMET is working closely with the county to ensure that everyone in the community has the information they need to make informed choices at the polls this November,” Pearl said.
The referendum will be on the ballot on November 5, 2024. For more information or to request a speaker at a local event, visit RichlandPenny.com.