blue background with art bus and text reading art comprehensive operations analysis

City of Asheville launches ART Comprehensive Operational Analysis to enhance public transit

The City of Asheville is launching the ART Comprehensive Operational Analysis, a strategic initiative to improve transit services and align resources with community needs. The plan will evaluate ridership data, demographic trends, and roadway conditions to develop short and long-term recommendations for Asheville Rides Transit (ART). Jarrett Walker & Associates, a nationally-recognized transit planning firm, [...]

Bus station platform

Free WiFi now available on ART transit buses

The City of Asheville is excited to announce that free WiFi is now available on all Asheville Rides Transit (ART) buses, making it easier for riders to stay connected while on the go. This new service is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public transportation and improving the rider experience and is implemented [...]

Hiawassee Street temporarily repaved, roadway reopened

The City of Asheville completed temporary repaving on Hiawassee Street between Rankin Avenue and North Lexington Avenue, restoring smoother access for motorists and pedestrians. This work was necessary in the interim while planning continues for a permanent upgrade to the utility and stormwater systems.  City staff are actively coordinating with utility partners to finalize designs and [...]

black dog wearing feather scarf

Mardi Gras Parade returns on Sunday, March 2

Animalia fun returns to downtown Asheville on Sunday, March 2, 2025. As our community comes together to Let the Good Times Roll, there will be route and traffic impacts. Times and Routes 10:00 a.m. Line up and float assembly begins on Southside Avenue between Biltmore and Short Coxe Avenue  3:05 p.m. Traditional Step Off The parade will enter [...]

2024 Infrastructure Milestones

Investing in Community Infrastructure: 2024 Progress & 2025 Outlook

While 2024 brought an unimaginably difficult ending (looking at you, Helene), still much was accomplished. From accessible sidewalks to public restrooms to playgrounds, the City of Asheville continues to invest in the quality of life for our community. Read on to find out about infrastructure improvements made throughout the city in 2024 and what’s in [...]

wall street deck

Accessibility upgrades now complete in City-owned parking garages

City-owned parking garages are now more accessible.  This recently completed work is the second of four phases of the Parking Garage Capital Improvements Project and creates accessible parking spaces and paths of travel that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to the greatest extent feasible in Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville (HCCA), Rankin [...]

ashley wearing a purple flannel with a black puffy vest

The City of Asheville announces Ashley Haire as Transportation Director

Asheville City Manager, Debra Campbell, is pleased to announce that Ashley Haire has been named as the City of Asheville’s next Transportation Director. Ashley will officially begin her duties with the City of Asheville on November 12, 2024. Ashley Haire is a native North Carolinian, having grown up outside Raleigh. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s [...]

N.C. Department of Transportation hosting a drop-in information session on the proposed Wilma Dykeman Greenway Extension

The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is holding a drop-in information session to discuss the proposed construction of the Wilma Dykeman Greenway Extension in Buncombe County. This exciting project will extend the existing Wilma Dykeman Greenway by 1.3 miles along Riverside Drive and the French Broad River, from near Hill Street to Pearson Bridge Road. [...]

family group on bicycles

Help make Asheville a Bicycle Friendly Community!

The City of Asheville is excited to announce our application for redesignation as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC). This program, run by the League of American Bicyclists, aims to make communities more accessible and enjoyable for bicyclists of all ages and abilities. Recognition as a BFC acknowledges the City’s commitment towards making bicycling safe and [...]

Sidewalks

Infrastructure Progress Report: Sidewalks

In the new Progress Report series, the City of Asheville will provide project updates on a different infrastructure topic each quarter. This quarter’s progress report is all about sidewalks! Sidewalks are one way to promote pedestrian safety, encourage walking and create more connected, accessible spaces for everyone. Read on to find out about sidewalk projects across [...]