ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A proposed redesign of Asheville’s bus system has been pulled from the Asheville City Council’s Aug. 25 agenda, temporarily putting the proposed service changes on hold.
Councilmembers Bo Hess and Kim Roney said the draft transit plan was pulled from consideration. Roney said the transit maps were removed from the agenda but could return at a later date.
Hess, in a social media post, said, “We have pulled the transit draft plan from consideration.”
City staff said they will explore options for the proposed growth network and potential funding strategies, but there is no definite date for when the issue will return to City Council.
Roney said the proposed maps would have added needed service along some major corridors while cutting service to areas that include affordable housing, jobs, a Social Security office, a library, a voting location and several health and human services locations.
The proposed changes had raised concerns among some Asheville residents who rely on public transportation to get to work, school, medical appointments and other services.
Roney said Asheville should consider other ways to improve its transit system, including a pay-by-phone option, expanding the Passport program so more businesses can connect employees with public transportation and pursuing a transit authority with dedicated funding.
“The message Council received,” Roney said, was that staff will explore options related to the growth network and a path to various funding strategies.
Roney cautioned that the draft plan could return at a future date as city staff continue that work.
One resident who has spoken out about the proposed changes is Jonathan Cook, 43, who has said the bus system is crucial to his independence.
Cook has ridden Asheville buses since his late teens. He uses public transportation to attend GED classes at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, meet with his job coach, attend therapy and an autism support group, participate in a diabetes prevention program, shop for groceries and spend time downtown.
The proposed redesign could have eliminated S2 service along part of Kenilworth Road, potentially making it more difficult for Cook and other residents in the neighborhood to travel independently.
The decision to remove the plan from the Aug. 25 agenda does not mean the proposed changes are permanently off the table.
City staff said the research will take time and that there is no definite date for when the transit proposal will return to City Council.