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No easy answers to parking problems
A recent study found that Columbia needs more downtown parking to encourage economic growth but suggests that parking prices need to be higher. The report found vacancy rate for parking garages in the central business district is 16.14%.
Temporary lane closures begin on I-26
Interstate 26 is being widened and redesigned to improve traffic flow. The contractor is closing lanes at night to perform various design activities, according to the S.C. Department of Transportation.
SCDOT hosting information sessions on Midlands projects
SCDOT plans to replace the U.S. 76 bridges over U.S. 15 and U.S. 76 Business in Sumter and to make safety improvements at the intersection of St. Peters Road and Old Cherokee Road in Lexington.
Business owners encouraged to take SCDOT survey
Responses from the Multimodal Transportation Survey will be used by the S.C. Department of Transportation to develop its 20-year statewide transportation plan. The online survey is open until the end of the month.
Volkswagen settlement to buy buses for schools, public transit
With the first round of payments from the Volkswagen Settlement Fund, the state of South Carolina plans to purchase 78 new school buses and three public transit buses.
COMET launches vanpooling service
The new vanpool, in partnership with Commute with Enterprise, is available to companies in the Columbia metropolitan area. There is a monthly subsidy of $500 per vehicle to participate.
Comet reactivates Newberry-to-Columbia route
The bus service will operate a round trip each weekday morning and afternoon with stops in Newberry, Little Mountain, Chapin, Ballentine, the Harbison area and Columbia. Fares range from $4 one-way to $80 for a 31-day pass.
Tri-County Industrial Site open for business
The 380-acre rail-served location on the Norfolk Southern main line off Interstate 26 and U.S. Highway 601 features a 45-acre building pad. The site aims to spur economic development on the I-26 corridor between Orangeburg and Columbia.
New cycling route app coming to Midlands
Sprocket, an initiative of the Cola Town Bike Collective, will provide curated routes from beginner to expert levels for bike riders throughout the Midlands. The app will go live Wednesday.
New Uber safety measures to include dedicated pickup zone
The ride-hailing company announced new safety measures during a news conference at the University of South Carolina, including a dedicated pickup zone planned for Five Points. Uber will also send reminders to riders to verify vehicles.
City to provide free parking during holidays
The city of Columbia will provide free meter and parking deck access at several locations during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
Public meeting on Shop Road extension set for Thursday
The informational meeting on plans for phase 2 of the extension project, funded by the Richland County Transportation Penny Program, will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Residents will be able to comment on the proposed design.
