ART Comprehensive Operational Analysis
ART Comprehensive Operational Analysis
The City of Asheville is launching the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) to improve public transit services and align resources with community needs. This project will analyze ridership data, demographic trends, and roadway conditions to develop short- and long-term strategies for enhancing the ART transit system. The project will identify techniques and a framework to match resources with transit service demand, optimizing service efficiency and better serving Asheville’s growing and changing population.
Happening Now
Jarrett Walker & Associates has been approved as the project consultant and will begin working with City staff to gather data and assess ART’s transit operations.
The City is preparing to launch community engagement efforts, including surveys, public meetings, and stakeholder outreach that will begin in April 2025 and continue through Fall 2025. Planning teams are incorporating lessons from Hurricane Helene to develop strategies for improving transit resilience and emergency preparedness.
Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to share your feedback and help shape the future of ART!
Background
The Asheville Rides Transit (ART) system is a vital transportation resource for residents, workers, and visitors. As Asheville continues to grow, the City is conducting a comprehensive review of its transit operations to ensure that ART remains efficient, accessible, and resilient. The plan will examine how transit can adapt to changes in land use, population density, and mobility patterns over the next decade.
On March 11, Asheville City Council approved Jarrett Walker & Associates as the consultant for this project. The firm specializes in transit network design and will assist in developing recommendations that balance service reliability, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
Additionally, the City is incorporating lessons learned from Hurricane Helene, which highlighted the need for transit system resilience during extreme weather events. The plan will include strategies to enhance emergency preparedness, reduce service disruptions, and reinforce key transit infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ART Comprehensive Operations Analysis is a strategic review of Asheville’s transit system operations aimed at aligning routes, schedules, and resources with the needs of the community. The analysis will provide recommendations for improving service efficiency, expanding transit access, and preparing for future growth.
The goal of this project is to identify operational improvements that will better match available resources (funding, buses, drivers, etc.) to the evolving needs of the community. The City wants to ensure that resources are used effectively to provide the best possible service to ART riders.
The City is committed to transparency and will provide updates through multiple channels, including:
The City of Asheville website
Social media platforms
Community partnerships
Flyers and printed materials
Door-to-door engagement
Public meetings and forums
Additionally, individuals who opt in for updates will receive project notifications directly.
Public input is essential to shaping the ART Comprehensive Operations Analysis. The City will conduct rider surveys, hold community meetings, and provide online engagement opportunities to ensure that all voices are heard. Feedback will be incorporated into the final recommendations.
The impact of Hurricane Helene demonstrated the need for a more resilient transit system. The analysis will explore strategies for strengthening transit infrastructure, improving emergency response, and ensuring reliable service during severe weather conditions.
Once the data collection and analysis phases are complete, the City will release a final report outlining operational recommendations for transit improvements and an implementation plan. The study is expected to conclude in late spring 2026. The report will be publicly available on the City’s website.