Thursday, October 15, 2009

End of the road for Asheville Transit route

Route 54, where are you?
Appearently, no longer headed toward Weaverville.
The official end for Asheville Transit's route through North Buncombe will be Nov. 1. The route was costing to the town about $10,000 a year, and it was clear the rider participation was just not there to justify that expense.
Still, the route served a purpose and for some, it will be missed. Let's hope the North Buncombe Trailblazer takes hold and continues to offer affordable transportation to Asheville.

Here's the release..

"The City of Asheville will hold a public hearing from 5:30 – 7 pm on Thursday, Oct. 22 concerning the discontinuation of Route 54 to Weaverville and changes to Route 28 to Black Mountain. The meeting will take place in the Public Works Building at 161 S. Charlotte St.

"Route 54 to Weaverville will be discontinued Nov. 1 based on an assessment completed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation which found lack of compliance with federal guidelines concerning intercity routes and local participation. Route 28 has been redesigned and will continue to serve Porter Cove Rd., Swannanoa, and the Town of Black Mountain. The redesign includes fare increases as well as changes to routing and scheduling.

Asheville to Swannanoa route
Regular fare $1.50 Discount fare 75 cents
Asheville to Black Mountain route
Regular fare $1.75 Discount fare $1.00

"Monthly passes are $55.00 with a $27.50 discount price. Discount fares include all seniors age 65 and over, individuals with disabilities, Medicare recipients and students in elementary, middle and high school. Monthly passes are valid system wide.

"For more information, contact Mariate Echeverry at (828) 232-4528."

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