mid year momentum

Mid-year momentum: 2025 infrastructure progress + future outlook

Asheville City Council unanimously approved the $256.36 million budget for the fiscal year 2026 at their regular meeting on June 10. The spending plan includes a robust Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that focuses on storm recovery, parks, transportation, public safety and community infrastructure over the next five years. Projects are selected for funding in [...]

asheville transit bus

ART bus routes to resume normal service July 1

More Helene recovery: All transit routes will be active again starting July 1. Some schedule changes may be necessary due to staffing, so pease make use of iRide emails notifications to get updates.

Celebrate Strive Week with free ART rides on May 19, 2025

Strive Not to Drive Week kicks off in Western North Carolina with free rides on all Asheville Rides Transit (ART) buses on Monday, May 19, 2025. It’s the perfect time to explore sustainable transportation options, reduce your carbon footprint, and see how easy it is to ride ART. On other days during Strive Week, bus fares return to just $1 per ride.

blue background with art bus and text reading art comprehensive operations analysis

City of Asheville launches ART Comprehensive Operational Analysis to enhance public transit

The City of Asheville is launching the ART Comprehensive Operational Analysis, a strategic initiative to improve transit services and align resources with community needs. The plan will evaluate ridership data, demographic trends, and roadway conditions to develop short and long-term recommendations for Asheville Rides Transit (ART). Jarrett Walker & Associates, a nationally-recognized transit planning firm, [...]

Bus station platform

Free WiFi now available on ART transit buses

The City of Asheville is excited to announce that free WiFi is now available on all Asheville Rides Transit (ART) buses, making it easier for riders to stay connected while on the go. This new service is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public transportation and improving the rider experience and is implemented [...]

Hiawassee Street temporarily repaved, roadway reopened

The City of Asheville completed temporary repaving on Hiawassee Street between Rankin Avenue and North Lexington Avenue, restoring smoother access for motorists and pedestrians. This work was necessary in the interim while planning continues for a permanent upgrade to the utility and stormwater systems.  City staff are actively coordinating with utility partners to finalize designs and [...]

black dog wearing feather scarf

Mardi Gras Parade returns on Sunday, March 2

Animalia fun returns to downtown Asheville on Sunday, March 2, 2025. As our community comes together to Let the Good Times Roll, there will be route and traffic impacts. Times and Routes 10:00 a.m. Line up and float assembly begins on Southside Avenue between Biltmore and Short Coxe Avenue  3:05 p.m. Traditional Step Off The parade will enter [...]

2024 Infrastructure Milestones

Investing in Community Infrastructure: 2024 Progress & 2025 Outlook

While 2024 brought an unimaginably difficult ending (looking at you, Helene), still much was accomplished. From accessible sidewalks to public restrooms to playgrounds, the City of Asheville continues to invest in the quality of life for our community. Read on to find out about infrastructure improvements made throughout the city in 2024 and what’s in [...]

wall street deck

Accessibility upgrades now complete in City-owned parking garages

City-owned parking garages are now more accessible.  This recently completed work is the second of four phases of the Parking Garage Capital Improvements Project and creates accessible parking spaces and paths of travel that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to the greatest extent feasible in Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville (HCCA), Rankin [...]