Transit service alerts

In accordance with Governor Cooper’s latest Executive Order 180, City of Asheville Transit will begin enforcing face covering requirements for riders and will reduce the maximum passenger capacity per bus to 9 people plus the driver beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 25.

On Nov. 23, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 180 that increases face covering requirements to reduce the rapid spread of COVID-19 in North Carolina beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 25.  In accordance with the new Executive Order, Asheville Rides Transit (ART), the City of Asheville’s transit system, will require all riders to wear face coverings while riding ART buses or on ART properties, including the Transit Center and bus stops.  

Free face coverings are provided on all ART buses and at the Transit Center, both on the platform and at the customer service window. Please ask an ART employee for assistance if a face covering is needed.

Riders who refuse to wear a face covering, or who are improperly wearing a face covering, will not be allowed to board the bus and will be denied service.  Additionally, riders will be required to exit the bus if the face covering is removed or is being worn improperly.  Face coverings are also required to be worn at all times at ART facilities, including the Transit Center and bus stops.  Riders who refuse to wear face coverings will be subject to a 15-day ban from riding transit and may be subject to civil penalties and trespassing charges. Recurring violations may result in additional penalties and a longer ban from riding ART.

Additionally, in accordance with Executive Order 180, the maximum passenger capacity per bus will once again be limited to 9 riders plus the driver. Riders are asked to limit their use of ART to essential travel only and to continue to practice the 3 W’s: Wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth, Wait 6 feet apart and avoid close contact, and Wash your hands or use sanitizer.

Trip times affected are from 9:00 pm through 12:53 am and will  continue until the beginning of the next UNCA academic year in FY2020-2021.

The City will increase seating capacity on ART buses from the 10-person limit (9 passengers plus 1 driver) to 14-person limit (13 passengers and 1 driver).