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The COMET receives $15.75M to replace diesel buses with diesel-electric hybrids, boosting fuel efficiency and sustainability across the Midlands transit system. (Photo/The COMET)
The COMET receives $15.75M to replace diesel buses with diesel-electric hybrids, boosting fuel efficiency and sustainability across the Midlands transit system. (Photo/The COMET)
Midlands transit secures $15.75M for hybrid bus upgrades
Jason Thomas // December 9, 2025//
- The COMET awarded $15.75 million through the FTA Low- or No-Emission Program
- Funding will replace diesel buses with diesel-electric hybrid vehicles
- Hybrid buses improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions with no new infrastructure
- Project supports sustainability and service improvements across the Midlands
Public transit in the Midlands is moving into a higher gear when it comes to sustainability.
The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) has been awarded $15.75 million through the Federal Transit Administration’s FY25-26 Low- or No-Emission Program, thanks to the efforts of U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.
The funding will support The COMET Transit Vehicle Replacement from Diesel to Diesel-Electric Hybrid Project, marking a significant step forward in modernizing the region’s public transit fleet, a news release stated.
The grant will enable The COMET to replace aging diesel buses with state-of-the-art diesel-electric hybrid vehicles that offer improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, according to the release. Diesel-electric hybrid buses use both electricity and diesel, the same concept as hybrid automobiles. Bus batteries store energy and recharge when the bus decelerates. When demand for power exceeds battery capacity, the diesel engine provides extra energy, the release stated.
“This substantial federal investment represents a major milestone in our efforts to modernize our fleet and advance environmentally sustainable transit solutions for our community,” said Maurice Pearl, executive director/CEO of The COMET, in the release. “We are grateful to Representative Clyburn, Senator Graham and the Federal Transit Administration for their support in helping us provide cleaner, more efficient service to the residents of the Midlands.”
The hybrid buses require no additional infrastructure beyond The COMET’s existing facilities, allowing for seamless integration into current operations while delivering immediate environmental and operational benefits, the release stated.
This award aligns with The COMET’s ongoing commitment to improving service efficiency, reducing the transit system’s carbon footprint, and providing reliable, sustainable transportation options throughout Richland and eastern Lexington counties, the release stated.
The COMET will provide updates on project implementation and milestones as the fleet replacement program moves forward.
