Special Meeting: Multimodal Transportation Commission (In-Person) (Oct 30, 2025)

Multimodal Transportation Commission Special Meeting Recap: October 30, 2025

The City of Asheville’s Multimodal Transportation Commission (MMTC) held a special in-person meeting on October 30, 2025, at City Hall. The primary focus of the session was to review concepts for the Transit Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) and to appoint members to two new working groups. The commission also received public comment regarding a proposed greenway connector in West Asheville.

Key Decisions The commission took three formal votes during the meeting. First, the agenda for the October 30, 2025 meeting was approved by a 10-0 vote. Second, the minutes from the September 25, 2024 meeting were reviewed and approved by a 10-0 vote. Finally, the commission voted on a motion regarding the transit network. A motion was made by Elyse Marder and seconded by Joseph Chesler recommending that the City Council direct staff to seek a hybrid system model that leads toward the ridership model, while also continuing to find more funding sources to expand transit and safe streets. This motion passed with a vote of 8-1, with Kenny Armstrong abstaining.

Transit Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) The most significant discussion of the meeting centered on the Transit COA, presented by Jessica Morriss of the City of Asheville. The analysis, prepared by consultant Jarrett Walker and Associates, outlines two primary concepts for the future transit network: a "ridership" concept that prioritizes higher frequency on fewer routes, and a "coverage" concept that maintains a broader network with lower frequency. Staff noted that the current system is approximately a 60/40 split between the two models.

Commission members debated the trade-offs between these options, with a strong emphasis on equity. Bill Loftis expressed concern that the ridership model could negatively impact low-income neighborhoods, noting data showing a potential drop in access for those residents. Council Liaison Maggie Ullman highlighted that the study was funded by unspent money from a failed county transit agreement and emphasized that successful transit expansion requires significantly more funding, such as a county quarter-cent sales tax. Jared Wheatley reported that the City Council has already aligned the comprehensive plan and land use incentives with the ridership concept routes.

Members offered varied perspectives on the concepts. Randy Warren advocated for the higher-ridership model if the city commits to expanding bicycle and pedestrian networks to improve access. Joseph Chesler and Joshua Jones supported the ridership model, citing improved wait times and less system volatility. Elyse Marder leaned toward ridership but requested a "50/50" middle-ground data point to help refine her position. Bill Loftis argued for a hybrid model that covers legacy neighborhoods while piloting ridership concepts elsewhere. Kenny Armstrong stated he would abstain from voting as a consultant to Jarrett Walker, acknowledging the difficulty of cutting service for those who depend on it as a lifeline.

Public Comment: Rhododendron Creek Greenway Three members of the public spoke in support of the proposed Rhododendron Creek Greenway connector, which would link the Hominy Creek Greenway to Talmadge Street in West Asheville. Adam Rosen, a Connect Buncombe Board Member, cited overwhelmingly positive community support from surveys and noted that Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway are prepared to assist with construction and maintenance. Mike Figura, a nearby resident, reported that current access to the Hominy Creek Greenway is hazardous and presented survey data indicating minimal opposition to the project. Holland Youngman, a West Asheville resident, emphasized the safety benefits, citing her own incident of being run off the road and a friend being struck by a vehicle while accessing the greenway via Brevard Road.

Working Group Appointments The commission appointed members to two new working groups. For the Traffic Calming Policy update, Micah McLain and Randy Warren were appointed. Elyse Marder advised that the group include representation from the Neighborhood Association Council (NAC). For the Smith Mill Creek Greenway feasibility study, Joseph Chesler and Joshua Jones were appointed.

Next Steps The commission noted that it is meeting on an as-needed basis through June 30, 2027. Members advised that they would like to meet again in late January or early February to review draft rules and procedures for all commissions, potentially aligning with the next City Council meeting.