Are you ready for a terrific New Year’s resolution? Beginning January 4, Asheville Redefines Transit will offer bus service on Sundays, significantly expanding availability and access to riders in Asheville.
In Rider surveys conducted in 2008 and 2013, Sunday service was the most-requested upgrade to Asheville’s transit system, and it has remained a top priority in the city’s Transit Master Plan.
“Having a successful and thriving transit network means providing service where and when people need it,” said Transportation Manager Mariate Echeverry. “Sunday service makes it easier to get to jobs, run errands and visit family and friends.”
Asheville City Council approved funding for the change in the 2014/2015 budget and the step meets Council’s Strategic Goals of supporting multimodal transportation, affordability, community development and sustainability.
Sunday’s routes and schedules will resemble the system’s holiday service launched in 2013, with most routes operating between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday routes and schedules were developed with the help of input collected from an August public meeting, online and on-bus surveys, and neighborhood outreach. From Dec. 15th to Dec. 19th, riders can find information tables staffed with volunteers during peak hours the ART Station on Coxe Avenue. See more route and schedule details atridetheart.com.
The New Year will also see improved access to the Emma and Oakley sections of Asheville, with the new S5 and W5 route, as well as the discontinuation of the C-route.
Earlier this year, the city unveiled the NextBus system in which riders can use their cell phones, smart phones or computers to find out exactly when the next bus will arrive at their stop. Find out all about these enhancements at ridetheart.com.
The City of Asheville continues to expand and develop its multi-modal transportation model and recently launched the Asheville In Motion initiative with an event drawing public input on walking, biking, transit and automobile accessibility. The public will have more opportunities to engage in the next months. You can find more information in the project page at ashevillenc.gov/projects.