POLICIES & PROGRAMS
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POLICIES
Bike Policy
Asheville Transit’s Bike Policy is to support and promote the use of bicycles. Bicycles shall have access to all transit vehicles whenever feasible in order to support more sustainable transportation options. Asheville Transit allows bicycles to travel on buses at no extra charge, and provides the greatest flexibility possible within the constraints of capacity and safety.
Related Information:
- Bicycle & Pedestrian Task Force meets on the fourth Thursday of February at 5:30 p.m, in the Buncombe County Training Rm, 199 College St. - www.abptaskforce.org
- Asheville on Bikes - http://www.ashevilleonbikes.com
- Bicycle Education & Volunteer Opportunities including; New Drivers’ Bicycle Education Program, Smart Cycling at Owen Middle School, Healthy Buncombe’s Bicycle Rodeos. Contact: claudianix@libertybikes.com
- Bike Racks are available in the downtown area.
- Bike Lockers are available for rent. Monthly rentals fees are only $10. Lockers are located in the Rankin, Wall Street & Civic Center Parking Garages. For more information or to rent a locker call Parking Services at 259-5792.
For more information contact Barb Mee at ibike@ashevillenc.gov.
Wheel Chair Policy
All Asheville Transit buses offer wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate riders with disabilities.
By ADA standards, wheelchairs must be secured on buses. There are two wheelchair securement locations per bus, each equipped with devices which hold the wheelchairs safely in place. Operators provide securement assistance as needed. Lap/shoulder belts are recommended for safety purposes.
Boarding the Bus with a Mobility Device
- Wait by the bus stop in view of the bus operator.
- If needed, ask the bus operator to deploy the lift.
- Identify priority seating and securement areas near the front of the bus.
- If preferred, transfer to a seat. It is the rider's choice to transfer to a seat or remain in the mobility device.
- Press the signal strip to request a stop.
- When disembarking, the bus operator will remove the securement straps from your mobility device and deploy the lift.
Tips for Using the Lifts
- Set the brakes on your mobility device and turn off the power.
- If you are standing on the lift, be sure to hold the hand rail.
- Lifts can hold mobility devices up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long, weighing up to 600 pounds when occupied.
- A personal attendant may ride the lift with you.
- Backing your mobility device onto the lift may make it easier to maneuver into the securement area.
Pets on Buses
Smaller domesticated animals (cats & dogs) can be carried on in pet carrying cages and held in your lap.
Service animals which have been trained to assist an individual in living independently are permitted on board.
Asheville Transit Environmental Management Policy (EMS)
The Environmental Management System is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. The EMS is based on ISO 14001 Standards which provides a structured process for the achievement of continued improvements. These standards will allow us to document the transit operation processes, track and improve them, resulting in better performance and potential savings.
The pilot project, funded by the Federal Transit Administration, includes 7 transit agencies; among them are Boston, Maryland, Miami Dade and Orlando. Virginia Tech is responsible for providing technical assistance and training needed to develop and implement the EMS. The pilot project will be developed during two years.
According to the results from the previous EMS project, the benefits expected from the implementation may include:
- Improve environmental performance
- Enhance compliance
- Prevent pollution and conserve resources
- Reduce / mitigate risks
- Increase efficiency
- Reduce costs
- Enhance employee morale and possibly enhance recruitment of new employees
- Enhance image with public, regulators, lenders, investors
- Achieve / improve employee awareness of environmental issues and responsibilities
This project will provide the knowledge and tools needed to face our continued growth, bringing our transit system and our city to the 21st century.
View the City of Asheville's Environmental Management Policy
Advertising Policy
To learn more about advertising opportunities with Asheville Transit, call 828-232-4537.
Go to Transportation Fees & Charges to view the advertising rate sheet.
Asheville Transit Non-Discrimination Policy
(Titulo VI POLITICA DE NO DISCRIMINACION)
- Asheville Transit System will provide transit service to all citizens regardless of their race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
- Asheville Transit System shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and shall take action to ensure that applicants and employees are not discriminated against during employment.
- The transit system shall make special efforts to provide transportation for persons with disabilities, and will comply with 49 CFR 27, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability.
These rights are protected under Title VI of 1964. To make a Title VI complaint complete the Complaint Form (ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL).
Public Discourse at the Transit Center
The City of Asheville Transportation Department has adopted an interim 12 month trial policy to allow for the expression of public discourse at the Transit Center. To see the policy, click the link below.
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PROGRAMS
Paratransit Services
Asheville Transit provides Paratransit service along its routes and the service is provided by Mountain Mobility of Buncombe County. Please contact Mountain Mobility directly to determine eligibility, 828-258-0186.
Passport Program
The City of Asheville's Passport program allows employees and students to travel with ease, while allowing employers and schools the opportunity to provide an affordable alternative to driving and providing parking. Employees and students merely flash their ID when boarding the bus, and the employer/school pays one monthly bill for trips. Those trips are billed to the employer or school at a heavily discounted rate from regular fares.Employees and students no longer have to worry about fishing out passes or change for the bus, and employers pay only for transportation actually used.
For more information contact: Office: (828) 232-4522
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
The Asheville Transit System’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Policy is a federally mandated program to give assistance to businesses owned and operated by certain minorities.
DBE Program Policy Statement - Updated February 2012
The Asheville Transit System has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), 49 CFR Part 26. The DBE program has received federal financial assistance from USDOT, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, the City of Asheville has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.
It is the policy of the Asheville Transit System to ensure that DBEs, as defined in part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in USDOT assisted contracts.
ART Station (Asheville Transit Center)
49 Coxe Avenue, Asheville NC 28801
M - F 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.