LIVE @ Asheville Transit Committee Meeting 06/25/19

Asheville Transit Committee Meeting Recap – June 25, 2019

The Asheville Transit Committee convened on June 25th to discuss a range of issues impacting the city's public transportation system. With several new members present, the meeting focused on streamlining discussions and clarifying the committee's advisory role to both the City Council and the Multi-Modal Transportation Commission. The meeting provided a platform for community members to voice their concerns, and the committee responded with commitments to address these issues and improve overall transit services.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing concerns raised during public comment. Residents voiced frustrations regarding accountability following injuries sustained while using Asheville Transit, highlighted instances of missed bus stops impacting service reliability, and shared observations about driver courtesy, transit center conditions (including cleanliness and lighting), and discrepancies between app information and signage. One resident also inquired about the implementation of SmartDrive, a driver behavior modification system, while another raised concerns about the clarity and functionality of new bus stop signage. The committee acknowledged these issues, emphasizing a commitment to improved communication and accountability within the transit system. Specifically, staff agreed to follow up on concerns regarding the contractor's response to reported incidents and will investigate issues related to transit center upkeep.

Beyond addressing immediate concerns, the committee received updates on several ongoing projects and initiatives. Walter presented an update on the Transit Facility Renovation Project, which aims to improve accessibility, functionality, and ADA compliance at the facility. The project includes plans for a solar array installation, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Barry provided an overview of the SmartDrive system, explaining its role in improving driver safety through data analysis. The committee also received an update from the Multimodal Transportation Commission, highlighting their work on initiatives like urban center planning and the Charlotte Street road diet. A key discussion revolved around the Transit Committee's bus replacement plan, emphasizing the need to ensure adequate fleet capacity to meet future service demands and avoid potential disruptions.

Several key decisions were made during the meeting. The agenda was approved without changes, and minutes from the May 21st meeting were formally approved. Looking ahead, the committee has several action items to address. Staff will continue providing support and guidance, while city officials will focus on improving cleanliness and lighting at the transit center. A review of new bus stop signage is planned to ensure clear route information display, and a detailed presentation on the bus replacement schedule will be provided at the next meeting. The committee also committed to monitoring the SmartDrive implementation and continuing to solicit public feedback on transit services, demonstrating a proactive approach to improving the system.

This meeting underscored the Transit Committee’s dedication to addressing community concerns and proactively planning for the future of Asheville's public transportation. Residents can expect follow-up actions on issues raised, including improved contractor accountability and transit center conditions. The ongoing discussions about fleet replacement and SmartDrive implementation highlight the committee's focus on ensuring a reliable, safe, and efficient transit system for all Asheville residents.