Transit Committee – May 21, 2024

Asheville Transit Committee Meeting Recap – May 21, 2024

The Asheville Transit Committee, a citizen board providing guidance to the Asheville Transit System and City Council, convened on May 21, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This meeting focused on a range of topics aimed at improving the city's public transportation system, from internal operations to advocating for expanded service. It’s important to remember that the Transit Committee provides advice and recommendations; it does not directly manage routes, budgets, or staff.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around planning a future Transit Committee retreat. Recognizing the need for strategic discussions on funding, long-range planning, and transit ambassador training, the committee unanimously agreed to form a working group led by Kara Wheeler. This retreat will replace one of their regularly scheduled meetings, allowing for a deeper dive into these crucial topics. Beyond the retreat planning, the committee engaged in discussions regarding potential improvements to existing transit routes. A key point of discussion was advocating for increased frequency on the S3 and S6 routes, although current funding initially earmarked for this purpose is now being directed towards a comprehensive operational analysis. The committee agreed to draft a formal recommendation to the Multimodal Transportation Commission, urging increased frequency and exploring potential partnership opportunities with Buncombe County.

Several updates were provided regarding the Asheville Transit System's operations and rider experience. Staff highlighted the completion of a triennial review audit and ongoing efforts to enhance safety protocols. Positive feedback from riders was shared, with individuals praising the convenience of transit and appreciating the cleanliness of the buses. A notable concern raised by riders was a lack of clear signage at the transit center, which staff committed to addressing. Recognizing employee dedication, Keith Sanders from RATP Dev (the company operating Asheville’s transit system) acknowledged James Kilmer and Diane Cook as employees of the quarter. Fleet updates were also provided, detailing efforts to secure parts for existing buses and exploring a new maintenance pre-trip inspection tool called Zonar.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Kara Wheeler will spearhead the planning of the Transit Committee retreat, while a recommendation advocating for increased S3 and S6 route frequency will be drafted and submitted to the Multimodal Transportation Commission. Chris Whitlock will continue providing updated ridership data, including more detailed analysis of passenger origins and destinations. Staff will also pursue discussions with Buncombe County officials regarding potential funding partnerships, and address the concerns raised about signage at the transit center. Residents interested in staying informed can find meeting agendas, minutes, and other relevant information on the City of Asheville website or by attending future Transit Committee meetings.