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World Car Free Day is Wed., Sept. 22 + commuters are encouraged to forego cars and get around by bus, bicycle, train, or on foot for the day.
While the Asheville area’s public transit system is still being developed based on results from the recently completed Regional Transit Feasibility Study, locals can always take advantage of the ART (Asheville Rides Transit) bus system, which provides transport throughout Asheville and out to Black Mountain.
If you want to ride the ART, here’s what you need to know:
Hours:
- The ART runs from about 5:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and from around 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sundays and holidays (individual routes vary).
- The routes that serve UNC Asheville also operate late service (available until around midnight) Friday + Saturday when UNCA is in session.
Service routes:
- All 18 routes originate from downtown Asheville’s ART Transit Station, located at 49 Coxe Ave. From there, routes include North towards Woodfin, West down Patton Ave. and towards Deaverview and Mt. Carmel Rd., South to the Asheville Outlets + the airport, and East down Tunnel Rd. to Black Mountain.
- Disabled individuals can also use ART’s complementary paratransit services (through Mountain Mobility), which provide next-day transportation to go to appointments, school, work, shopping + more.
- Want real-time info on your bus’ location? Download Moovit, or dial 828-253-5691 and press 1.
Paying for your ride:
- Pay with cash, or a pre-paid ticket or pass (which can be purchased via cash or card at the ART Station). Note: Cash fares must be exact change.
- 1 ride on the ART costs $1. A ticket booklet of 11 rides is $9. A monthly pass is $20, while an annual pass costs $220.
- Discounts are available for students, seniors, Medicare recipients, disabled individuals, and employees of the City, County, A-B Tech, Grove Park Inn, or UNC Asheville.
- Children under 5 (accompanied by an adult) ride free.
Transit hacks
- If you have a bike, you can bring it at no extra charge. 🚴
- Buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts + additional accommodations for riders with disabilities.
- Some pets, including small cats + dogs in pet carriers and service animals, are allowed. 🐱
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