News Summary
Starting July 1, Asheville Rides Transit (ART) will fully resume its bus services following previous route limitations due to staffing shortages after Hurricane Helene. While ART aims to reinstate its comprehensive schedule, some cancellations may still occur. The city is actively recruiting additional drivers and promoting public transportation through the Strive Not to Drive initiative, offering free rides on July 1 and $1 fares for the rest of the week. This campaign aims to reduce carbon footprints and enhance local transportation access.
Asheville will see the full resumption of its bus service, Asheville Rides Transit (ART), starting on Tuesday, July 1. The route limitations that previously affected the transit system were primarily due to staffing shortages that arose after Hurricane Helene impacted the region. ART is set to reinstate its comprehensive schedule after a series of altered routes that resulted in detours and longer waiting times for riders.
Division manager Chris Whitlock has advised that while the full service will recommence, cancellations may still occur as adjustments are made. In an effort to keep the public informed, the city plans to provide service updates via its official website and an email notification list. To further address the staffing concerns, Asheville is actively recruiting additional drivers for its transit network.
The city is in the midst of promoting public transportation and environmental consciousness through the Strive Not to Drive week initiative. This event allows residents to use ART buses for free on Monday, July 1, and offers bus fares at $1 per ride for the remainder of the week. This initiative aims to reduce carbon footprints while encouraging residents to utilize diverse transportation modes, including carpooling, biking, walking, and public transit to alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality.
The Strive Not to Drive week, which has a legacy extending back to the 1980s, also fosters collaboration among local community partners to enhance sustainability and expand transportation options. Reports indicate that individuals who utilize eco-friendly transportation methods are more likely to support local businesses due to the convenience of access. As part of the week-long campaign, participants have the chance to win various prizes, including tickets to Asheville Tourists games and free monthly bus passes.
In addition, the week will feature bike rides and a webinar catered toward businesses about the Art Passport Program. This program allows companies to provide fare-free transit for their employees, thereby further encouraging public transportation usage.
A notable part of Asheville’s transportation recovery efforts includes the reopening of Swannanoa River Road. Following the damages caused by Tropical Storm Helene, ART will restore service along this road on May 4, marking an important advancement in the city’s storm recovery. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has successfully completed essential repairs, enabling ART to include this route in its service again. However, additional restoration of bus shelters along Swannanoa River Road will follow a different timetable.
As Asheville rides towards a more sustainable and efficient public transit future, residents are encouraged to engage with both ART’s services and the Strive Not to Drive week initiatives, supporting the city’s commitment to enhancing transportation options and reducing environmental impacts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UNC Asheville Men’s Tennis Coach Matt Frost Resigns
UNC Asheville Appoints Alex Raburn as Interim Baseball Coach
Asheville Promotes Sustainable Transportation Initiative
Bus Service Resumes on Swannanoa River Road in Asheville
NSF Director Resigns Amid Challenges in Leadership
Asheville Residents Invited to Influence Transit Improvements
Asheville Launches $100,000 Challenge for Immigrant Aid
Smart Windows Market Set for Rapid Expansion
Welcome to Asheville: Ruth Kain Takes Charge at Mission Health
Asheville’s Code Purple Initiative Aims to Protect the Homeless
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Rides Transit Resumes Full Schedule
- Google Search: Asheville Transit Service
- WLOS: Asheville Bus Service Cuts Due to Staffing Shortages
- Wikipedia: Asheville
- WLOS: Asheville Bus Stops Resume Service
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
