Transit Committee – March 19, 2024

Asheville Transit Committee Meeting Recap – March 19, 2024

The Asheville Transit Committee held a virtual meeting on March 19th, 2024, comprised of citizen volunteers who advise the Asheville Transit System and City Council. This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring community voices are heard as the city plans for its transit future, focusing on concerns and recommendations rather than direct operational control. The meeting covered a range of topics impacting the Asheville transit system, from addressing rider concerns to planning for future improvements.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing community feedback and potential solutions. Deborah Donkel shared a letter detailing an incident where she was unable to secure priority seating on the bus due to another passenger occupying it. The committee acknowledged her concerns and directed transit staff to investigate, considering improvements like updated signage, driver training, and public awareness campaigns regarding seating etiquette. This highlights the committee's commitment to addressing rider experiences and ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers.

Beyond addressing immediate concerns, the committee also received important updates on ongoing transit programs and projects. Amber Wagner from Asheville Transit staff reported that the city approved purchasing three new buses, addressing a backlog caused by previous funding limitations. Excitingly, the transit system also secured a competitive grant to support planning engagement and surveying efforts aimed at improving transit accessibility. However, the County’s decision not to fund their portion of the Regional Joint Transit Plan means staff will now focus on a city-specific operational and financial assessment. Discussions also centered around ongoing challenges with UNCA service detours, stemming from restrictions placed on bus routes by the university. A detailed cost analysis for increasing frequency on the S3 and S6 routes was presented, providing valuable data for future planning decisions.

The committee also welcomed Keith Sanders as the new General Manager for RATP Dev, Asheville’s transit management company. Mr. Sanders expressed his dedication to improving the system and provided a brief introduction, signaling a fresh perspective for the transit operations. In another key decision, the committee voted to forward Elaine Barnes’ application to Multimodal for consideration, emphasizing the importance of geographic representation on the committee. This move aims to ensure diverse perspectives are considered when shaping transit policy.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Transit staff will investigate and address Deborah Donkel’s seating concerns, continue working with UNCA to resolve detour issues, and share the detailed cost analysis for increased bus frequency. Committee members are encouraged to attend the Multimodal Transportation Commission working session on March 27th and will support promotional activities for Fair Free Transit Day on May 13th. Finally, recognizing the need for a more structured approach to reviewing applications, the committee will discuss formalizing a process that ensures geographic representation. This demonstrates a commitment to improving transparency and inclusivity within the committee’s decision-making process.

This meeting underscored the Asheville Transit Committee's dedication to representing community interests and driving improvements within the local transit system. Residents can expect to see action taken on rider concerns, ongoing efforts to optimize routes and accessibility, and a continued focus on securing funding for vital transit projects. The committee's ongoing review of its application process further demonstrates their commitment to ensuring a representative and effective voice for the community.