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
The City of Asheville invites the community to participate in a community-wide survey to inform the ART Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA)—a strategic assessment that seeks to improve Asheville’s public transit services and align them with current and future community needs and available resources.
The survey is open to all Asheville residents, workers, and visitors, regardless of how often they use transit. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is an important part of shaping the draft network designs and helping us understand what matters most to our community. Community members can take the survey here.
Why This Matters
As Asheville continues to grow, a strong and accessible transit system is more important than ever. The COA will:
Identify strategies to improve service reliability and frequency
Address barriers to transit access for underserved populations
Support future growth, development, and climate resilience
Incorporate lessons learned from Tropical Storm Helene
Ensure ART resources match the needs of today—and tomorrow
Opportunities for Community Involvement
The City of Asheville is committed to a transparent, inclusive planning process. Throughout the upcoming public engagement period, community members will have several ways to get involved, including:
The survey noted above
City staff and consultant team members will be tabling at various events throughout October, stop by and see us!
Project updates via social media, newsletters, and partner organizations
Engagement opportunities earlier this year included rider and non-rider surveys and tabling at community events. A summary of these previous efforts can be viewed here.
What’s Next?
Once the survey closes, the project team will review all survey responses, along with input gathered at public meetings and through stakeholder conversations.
Using what we learn, we will develop a draft recommended network that reflects community priorities and balances ridership and coverage goals.
This draft recommendation will be shared with the public in the next phase of the project, when you’ll have another opportunity to provide input before a final plan is developed.
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.
Past Updates
March 12, 2025 - 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!
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.