LIVE @ Asheville Transit Committee Meeting 9/17/19

Asheville Transit Committee Meeting Recap: September 17, 2019

The Asheville Transit Committee met on September 17th to discuss improvements and challenges facing the city's public transportation system. This committee, composed of citizen volunteers who advise the Asheville Transit System and City Council, addressed a variety of topics impacting riders and transit operations. The meeting saw significant public participation, providing valuable insights into the concerns and appreciation of Asheville residents regarding their transit experience.

A major focus of the meeting was on upcoming route changes slated for January 2020. After careful consideration, the committee recommended a shift in plans regarding the S2 route. Instead of extending the W3 route, they agreed to incorporate a social security loop into the WE2 route. They also supported modifying the W6 route to continue down Haywood Road, turning around at Wells Avenue, addressing physical limitations on Majestic Avenue. Finally, a new stop will be added to the W3/W4/W5 routes at Hill Street and Riverside Drive, aiming to better serve the surrounding community. These adjustments reflect a commitment to optimizing routes based on operational feasibility and rider needs.

Beyond route planning, the committee engaged in a robust discussion surrounding a proposed ordinance regarding weapons on city property and transit vehicles. Recognizing limitations imposed by state law concerning firearms, the discussion centered on clearly defining "dangerous weapons" to provide clearer guidance for bus drivers and enforcement personnel. The committee expressed support for the ordinance, recognizing its potential to improve safety and clarity within the transit system. This proposal will now be forwarded to the Public Safety Committee and City Council for further review and potential implementation.

Public comment was a significant part of the meeting, offering direct feedback from riders. Concerns were raised regarding a bus driver's behavior and a passenger’s disrespectful comment, highlighting the need for enhanced driver training and awareness regarding authority boundaries. Residents also pointed out a long-standing issue with missing signage on Adams Hill Road, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs. A separate comment addressed concerns about dogs on buses, prompting a discussion about differentiating between legitimate service animals and other pets. Overall, the public comments underscored the importance of rider experience and ongoing improvements to transit services.

The committee also addressed internal matters, reviewing attendance records for current members. A motion was made to recommend the removal of two members (Sabra and Dana) due to insufficient attendance, but this decision was deferred pending further discussion with staff. A vacancy on the committee will be filled in due process.

What's Next? Several key action items emerged from the meeting, ensuring that resident concerns are addressed and transit improvements continue. Transit staff will investigate and rectify the missing sign on Adams Hill Road, as well as discuss protocols for handling dogs on buses with drivers. They will also provide a detailed list of data issues to a committee member for review and feedback, aiming to improve the accuracy and reliability of transit system data. The proposed weapons ordinance will move forward for consideration by the Public Safety Committee and City Council, while ongoing efforts to improve on-time performance will continue.

This meeting demonstrated the Asheville Transit Committee's commitment to actively listening to community feedback and working collaboratively to enhance the city’s public transportation system. Residents can expect to see changes implemented in January 2020 as a result of these discussions, and ongoing efforts will continue to address rider concerns and improve transit operations.