More than 1,300 community members provided input on the proposed changes to the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) bus network, and the City is sharing a detailed summary of those survey results and comments from the community.
Part of the ART Comprehensive Operational Analysis, this third phase of engagement asked for community input on a Draft Network. Developed from public engagement, stakeholder feedback, and City Council’s guidance to shift some resources toward ridership while maintaining service to low-income areas, the Draft Network would remove service from some areas to reallocate resources to corridors where increased frequency will benefit more riders.
The survey began with in-person data collection on May 21, 2026, and continued through June 28, 2026. During this period, City staff and consultants gathered responses from both riders and non-riders at the ART Transit Center, public events and community meetings. The City shared a direct link to the survey through a press release, on social media and through notices sent to riders through the iRide alerts distribution list.
Survey respondents were shown maps of the Existing Network and the Draft Network, and asked if the changes would be better for themselves, people they knew, and the region as a whole.
Many commenters cited concerns about the potential loss of access to medical or social services and jobs. However, many commenters also liked the focus on frequency and high-density corridors. This support for the goal of increased frequency and more reliable service, balanced with concern about the proposed trade-offs, provides specific and valuable insight for the City as it continues to identify priorities and evolve the network to best serve the community.
City Council will hear more about the network and the survey results at the July 28 council meeting, with a final decision expected later this summer.
Continue to check publicinput.com/coa for the latest info on this project.