LIVE @ Asheville Transit Committee 02/18/20

Asheville Transit Committee Meeting Recap: February 18, 2020

On February 18th, the Asheville Transit Committee convened to discuss ongoing improvements and future planning for our city's public transportation system. The meeting, attended by committee members Jeff Jones, Harvey Baird (retired), John Wong, Elizabeth Medlock, Tory Graves, and Barry Rylings, covered a wide range of topics aimed at enhancing the rider experience and ensuring a sustainable transit future. This recap highlights key decisions, discussions, and next steps for residents to understand how these efforts impact our community.

Significant Decisions & Directions: A notable decision emerged regarding the possibility of fare-free transit in Asheville. Following a robust discussion, the committee voted to request city staff to begin preliminary planning for a fair-free transit trial. While not a commitment, this signifies an important step towards exploring the feasibility and potential benefits of eliminating fares. Additionally, the committee opted to align their promotional efforts with the existing "Strive Not to Drive" campaign in May, foregoing a separate “Ride the Bus Day” initiative.

Key Discussions & Debates: The meeting featured several lively discussions centered on improving the current transit system. Addressing issues with the app, particularly in areas with weak cell service ("dead zones"), was a priority. Committee members also reviewed the implementation of recent route adjustments and acknowledged positive improvements in on-time performance, particularly during morning hours. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to exploring fare-free transit. Concerns were raised about cost implications and potential impacts on existing services, leading to a consensus that further data collection and analysis are crucial before any decisions are made. The committee also engaged in a discussion about joining the Multimodal Transportation Commission, with differing viewpoints on how proactively to engage.

Community Voice & Citizen Engagement: While there were no public comments during the designated periods, the committee emphasized the importance of community input. Plans are underway to conduct both rider and driver surveys in partnership with Better Buses Together, aiming to gather valuable data to inform future transit decisions. The meeting also included an update from Sasha Bertinski regarding the upcoming 2020 Census, highlighting its critical role in securing funding and ensuring fair representation for our city.

Looking Ahead: Action Items & Next Steps: Several key action items were identified following the meeting. City staff will now begin exploring the logistics and potential costs associated with a fair-free transit trial, gathering data to inform future discussions. Staff will also continue engaging with the Multimodal Transportation Commission regarding a potential resolution, seeking feedback and considering existing commitments. The committee plans to revisit the discussion of Transit Committee goals at a future meeting, and encourages members to attend the upcoming City Council retreat in March. Finally, ongoing renovations at the transit station are progressing well, with the customer service and ticketing area now open.

This meeting demonstrated a commitment to improving Asheville's transit system through data-driven decisions and community engagement. The exploration of fare-free transit, along with efforts to address app issues and improve on-time performance, reflects a proactive approach to meeting the evolving transportation needs of our residents. Keep an eye out for future updates on these initiatives as they progress!