LIVE @ Asheville Transit Committee 01/28/2020

Asheville Transit Committee Meeting Recap – January 28, 2020

The Asheville Transit Committee convened on January 28th to discuss the current state of Asheville’s public transportation system, explore future improvements, and respond to community feedback. The meeting saw the welcoming of several new members – Tori Breves, D. Williams, Arvney, Kyle Farad, Elizabeth Medlock, Thomas Lauderdalec, Paul Grosbeck and Jeff Jones – signaling a fresh perspective on the committee's work. Overall, the meeting highlighted a strong dedication to enhancing Asheville’s transit network and addressing rider concerns.

A key outcome of the meeting was the committee's endorsement of an enhancement budget for fiscal years one and two, demonstrating a commitment to investing in improvements to the transit system. The committee also engaged in a significant discussion surrounding full funding for the Transit Master Plan, including extending service hours. While no formal vote occurred on this matter previously, members agreed that securing full funding and expanded hours remains a high priority. A motion was passed supporting Beth’s efforts to re-establish the Transit Committee as an independent commission, a move that would grant it greater influence over decisions impacting city council. Finally, the committee approved a new service animal policy ensuring compliance with ADA regulations.

Discussion throughout the meeting centered on several key areas, including recent route changes and their impact on riders. Public comments revealed confusion among some passengers regarding the updated schedules and fare information, with one rider specifically noting difficulty navigating the changes. Concerns were also raised about the need for later bus service hours to accommodate those working evening shifts, and a strong advocacy was made for exploring the potential benefits of a "fair free" system to support low-income residents. The committee also delved into the financial aspects of transit, weighing the costs associated with fare collection against the potential advantages of a fare-free system.

Community input played a vital role in shaping the discussion, with several residents sharing their experiences and concerns directly with the committee. The Citizen Advisory Committee provided an update on greenway planning and accessibility, further informing the conversation about transit improvements. Addressing ongoing issues, committee members identified malfunctioning stop request buttons on some electric buses as a recurring problem that transit staff will now address.

Looking ahead, the committee has several key action items to focus on. Transit staff will continue monitoring rider feedback and addressing equipment malfunctions, particularly concerning the bus stop request buttons. Beth will draft a resolution to present to the Multimodal Transportation Commission, advocating for transit's return as an independent commission. Finally, the committee agreed to revisit the discussion regarding a "fair free" trial during their February meeting. These steps represent a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to the needs of Asheville’s transit riders.