Exciting Changes Coming to Asheville Rides Transit
Asheville, N.C. is buzzing with good news for its public transportation system! Starting Monday, Oct. 14, the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) will be extending its service hours and making some much-anticipated changes to its bus routes. This is all part of an ongoing effort to improve public transit options for the residents in our vibrant city.
Expanded Service Hours
In a recent update from the city government, it was announced that select bus routes will now be running from approximately 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. How awesome is that? If you’ve ever thought about taking the bus but needed a bit more time in your day to do so, this change might just be what you’ve been waiting for! It’s important to note that Sunday service hours will remain the same, so you can still count on reliable rides throughout the weekend.
Free Rides for All
The best part? ART services will continue to be free of charge during this phase until further notice. This is fantastic news, especially for those who rely on public transportation for their daily commute or other travel needs. Imagine all the possibilities when you don’t have to dig into your pockets for bus fare!
User-Friendly Flag-Stop Service
One of the most exciting features of the upgraded service is the introduction of flag-stop service. This innovation allows passengers to board at their preferred locations along the bus route rather than being restricted to set bus stops. This means you can catch the bus anywhere along the route as long as it’s safe and accessible. This flexibility is sure to make commuting much easier and more convenient for everyone!
Updated Routes and Frequencies
While we’re on the topic of routes, let’s talk specifics. Alongside the routes currently in operation, routes N1, S4, and 170 are being seriously revamped starting on the same day, Oct. 14. Now, if you typically rely on Route 170, you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s going to have increased service frequency—every 30 minutes to be exact! However, it’s worth noting that this route will no longer serve stops east of Tunnel Rd at Beverly Road.
For those traveling to and from Haw Creek, not to worry! The city is making sure you’re taken care of. Stops will now be served in a counterclockwise direction starting at stop 517, Beverly Rd at Tunnel Road, and will finish at stop 529, New Haw Creek Road at Crockett Avenue. This means that no matter where you’re going, you’re bound to have a smooth ride!
Community Focus
These updates come at a crucial time as the Asheville community is experiencing a significant shift towards more sustainable living options. Bus ridership is on the rise, and these changes are a response to that growing demand. It’s clear that the city is making strides to create a public transit system that is adaptable and user-friendly.
Looking Ahead
With these alterations, we can look forward to seeing more residents getting involved in public transit, whether for work or leisure. It’s essential for the community to have access to reliable transport options, and it looks like Asheville is stepping up to the plate. So, mark your calendars for Oct. 14—whether you’re a regular bus rider or just thinking about it, this is an exciting time for Asheville Rides Transit!
