Transit Committee – August 20, 2024

Transit Committee Meeting Recap – August 20, 2024

The Asheville Transit Committee convened on August 20, 2024, to discuss the current state and future direction of Asheville’s public transit system. The meeting included updates on ongoing operations, planning for a major system analysis, and recognition of key staff contributions. This recap summarizes the discussions and decisions made during the meeting, providing residents with a clear understanding of what’s happening with their transit services.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on safety concerns surrounding existing bus stops. Committee members highlighted issues at a stop near the municipal golf course, questioning the removal of a protective pole and raising concerns about overall safety infrastructure. A stop on Swannanore Road was also identified as a potential candidate for review due to extremely low ridership. While no immediate decisions were made, staff will investigate the circumstances surrounding the pole’s removal and explore options to improve safety at both locations. Residents are encouraged to report any bus stop safety concerns directly to the Transit Committee or RATP Dev, the company operating Asheville’s transit system.

The committee also received a detailed update on the upcoming Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA), a pivotal study aimed at modernizing Asheville’s transit system. The COA will evaluate the current system, identify areas for improvement, and develop long-range plans. The Request for Proposals (RFP) was released on August 13th, with a pre-proposal meeting scheduled for August 29th and proposals due on September 17th. To ensure community input, a working group comprised of Transit Committee and Multimodal Transportation Commission members will review the COA’s deliverables. The study will consider factors like service efficiency, environmental sustainability (including low/zero emission vehicles), financial viability and alignment with community goals. Residents should anticipate potential changes to bus routes and services as a result of the COA’s findings.

Beyond these key discussions, the committee formally recognized Paul Ballard for his leadership as Interim Transportation Director, praising his efforts to streamline processes and advance key initiatives during his tenure. Updates were also provided on the performance of RATP Dev, Asheville’s transit operator. Ridership is currently up 19% compared to last year, with a notable increase on weekdays. On-time performance stands at 72% overall (84% on weekdays), and accidents have decreased by 5% year-over-year. RATP Dev is actively engaging with the community, including drivers and businesses, to improve service delivery. Finally, a new transit apprentice will join the team in September, focusing on updating bus stop inventory and signage.

Looking ahead, residents can expect further updates as the COA progresses. The Transit Committee is forming a working group to review deliverables, and citizens are encouraged to stay informed about the process. A Transit Committee retreat is planned for November 8th, from 10am to 3pm. For any concerns or suggestions regarding Asheville’s transit system, residents are invited to contact the Transit Committee or RATP Dev directly. The committee’s dedication to recognizing transit operator efforts and addressing citizen feedback underscores their commitment to providing a reliable and accessible public transportation system for all Asheville residents.