Asheville Redefines Transit public meetings underway

A series of public ‘drop-in’ meetings is underway – today was West Asheville – and will continue over the next two weeks as Asheville rolls out the biggest change to its transit system in years.
Philippes Dargan speaks with Mariate Echeverry of Asheville Transit about changes to routes and schedules. Mr. Dargan has used transit in Asheville “for years.” (photo by Bill Rhodes)

City looks for new company to manage Asheville Transit System

The city of Asheville plans to solicit proposals from new companies to manage its transit system. Starting in June, the Asheville Transit System will implement changes designed to improve its routing and on-time performance. The city will also mount a marketing campaign to increase ridership, changing the name of the system from ATS to ART (Asheville Redefines Transit).

Council funds Transit System improvemen­ts, waives arts-event fees, passes smoking ban

At its April 27 meeting, Asheville City Council:
• delayed a decision whether to cut its event-sponsorship support;
• transferred $2.4 million from health-insurance reserves to cover operating shortfalls;
• approved a plan to improve the city bus system, launch a new Transit logo and market the bus service
• waived fees for arts events in Pritchard Park, and
• passed a city-wide smoking ban on public property.

Transit plan in transit

Change is afoot as the Asheville Transit System moves closer to completing a Transit Master Plan. On Thursday, April 2, consultants from HDR Engineering will present recommendations based on the public input gathered since January concerning potential transit improvements. On the dock: more frequent service on Patton Avenue, Haywood Road and Tunnel Road and a […]