LIVE @ Asheville Transit Committee 2/19/19

Asheville Transit Committee Meeting Recap: Addressing Rider Concerns and Charting a Course for the Future

On February 19, 2019, the Asheville Transit Committee convened to discuss a range of issues impacting our city’s public transportation system. The meeting, which included introductions of new and departing committee members, centered on addressing rider concerns, reviewing ongoing projects like the ArtStation renovation, and planning for future improvements outlined in the Transit Master Plan. This recap summarizes key decisions, discussion highlights, community input, action items, and the overall impact of this important meeting for Asheville residents.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to listening to community members, particularly Rochelle Swenson-Cox, who shared a deeply concerning experience of being missed by a bus and subsequently needing to pay for an alternative transportation. She also highlighted other instances of poor customer service, including disrespectful driver behavior and safety concerns at bus stops. The committee responded with a clear commitment to addressing these issues, emphasizing their review of incident footage and ongoing driver training initiatives. Concerns about the cleanliness and functionality of restrooms at bus stops were also raised, prompting a commitment to improved maintenance and exploration of more robust solutions. This focus underscored the committee’s dedication to providing a safe, reliable, and positive experience for all riders.

Beyond addressing immediate concerns, the committee also discussed ongoing projects and future plans. The renovation of the ArtStation transit center was highlighted, with construction slated to begin in March. Excitement surrounded the arrival of new electric buses, and discussions centered on testing their performance across various routes. The committee reaffirmed its support for the Transit Master Plan, a comprehensive roadmap for improving Asheville’s transit system. A letter urging City Council to fully fund the plan was resubmitted, prioritizing timely implementation of its goals. To enhance transparency and accountability, a new monthly report detailing contract compliance – including safety, maintenance, and on-time performance – was introduced. Finally, the committee acknowledged ongoing challenges related to staffing, including a search for new leadership roles (General Manager and Director of Safety) and efforts to combat driver shortages.

Several key decisions were made during the meeting, impacting the committee's composition and future direction. Calvin was recommended for removal from the committee due to consistent absences, while Dana received a recommendation for reappointment. Elizabeth Mettel was also recommended for appointment to the committee, ensuring continued representation and expertise. Recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives, the committee emphasized a need for continued recruitment efforts, particularly targeting candidates with lived experience related to public transportation.

The meeting concluded with a clear set of action items for city staff, including continued monitoring of bathroom conditions and exploration of long-term solutions. The committee reiterated the importance of public input, encouraging riders to continue sharing their experiences and providing valuable feedback. Discussions also touched on the potential for a designated committee seat reserved for someone with lived experience related to public housing or other vulnerable populations, and the desire to increase data transparency by making transit performance information publicly available.

Ultimately, this meeting demonstrated a strong commitment from the Asheville Transit Committee to improving our city’s public transit system. By actively listening to rider concerns, addressing ongoing projects, and planning for a more accessible and reliable future, the committee is working to ensure that Asheville’s public transportation system meets the needs of all residents. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and continue sharing their experiences as the committee works towards these goals.