March 18 is National Transit Employee Appreciation Day! Today, we recognize and celebrate the dedication of Asheville Rides Transit (ART) employees who keep our community moving.
When Tropical Storm Helene hit, ART became a vital lifeline for a city in crisis. With no potable water, widespread flooding, and impassable roads, ART’s swift actions ensured residents could evacuate and access essential resources. As part of Asheville’s emergency operations plan and Incident Command structure, ART stationed six drivers near the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in preparation for the storm. This strategic decision enabled an immediate response to critical needs. In Biltmore Village, where flooding turned streets into rivers, ART buses waited while rescue crews brought evacuees to them by boat, just a few people at a time. By the end of the day, ART had transported over 500 people to safety, showcasing the drivers’ dedication and seamless coordination with rescue teams.
In the storm’s aftermath, ART adapted quickly to the crisis. When not operating, drivers were deployed to deliver water and supplies to vulnerable neighborhoods. When restarting service, recognizing that many bus stops were inaccessible, the agency implemented a flag-down service, allowing passengers to hail buses along the routes. ART also expanded its role beyond transporting residents to food and supply distribution sites by providing rides for those residing in shelters to FEMA resource centers and Comfort Care Stations, where people could shower, get meals, do laundry, and charge their phones. To ease the burden on residents, ART temporarily suspended fares, further straining its financial resources.
As we celebrate National Transit Employee Day, we recognize the extraordinary dedication of ART employees. Their commitment to service—whether transporting residents to safety, delivering supplies, or adapting to post-storm challenges—has been nothing short of heroic. ART’s efforts during Hurricane Helene cement its role as a cornerstone of Asheville’s disaster response. With strategic investments and continued collaboration, ART will remain a driving force for safety, recovery, and resilience in the face of future challenges.
