In a recent development, Asheville’s City Council has sanctioned a $55 million contract over the next four years to manage its city transit. The contract, awarded to RATP Dev, the current operator of the Asheville Rides Transit bus system, was a highlight of Tuesday night’s council meeting.
This new agreement will see the first year’s expenditure rise to approximately $12.7 million, marking an $800,000 increase over the previous fiscal year. Despite no changes in bus routes or schedules, Jessica Morriss, the assistant transportation director, noted that the contract ensures key operational enhancements.
Under the new terms, RATP Dev is required to meet an 80% on-time bus arrival rate each month or face penalties, up from the previous target of 72%. Additionally, the company will provide city officials with software to automatically monitor this performance standard and will hire three new staff members, including a crisis counselor for the downtown bus terminal.
The decision, however, was not unanimous. Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley, Sheneika Smith, and Sage Turner opposed the agreement, with Turner expressing dissatisfaction over the persistent cost increases without corresponding improvements in service coverage or ridership. “To consistently raise taxes on everyone to support transit, transit needs to be supporting more residents,” Turner remarked. “It’s getting a little out of balance for me.”
Even supporters of the contract voiced their concerns about the system’s current state. Kim Roney, a Council member, shared that bus users often expressed “disdain” towards RATP Dev’s service reliability. Morriss explained that while the contract was open for public bidding, RATP Dev was the sole contender to satisfy Asheville’s technical criteria, though the city has yet to release bid details in response to a public records request.
Roney has suggested that Asheville should consider forming a transit authority in collaboration with Buncombe County. Meanwhile, Council member Maggie Ullman proposed exploring a dedicated sales tax to bolster transit funding.
Council Sets Aside “Parkside” Land for Arts Center
In other news, a 2.43-acre site near Asheville City Hall and Pack Square Park has been designated for a potential performing arts center. The Council unanimously approved reserving the land for two years to allow discussions with stakeholders and British company ATG Entertainment.
Initial plans for this “Parkside” project include a 2,500-seat concert hall, a 300-space parking garage, and additional facilities for rehearsals, education, and a new fire station. Chris Corl, director of community and regional entertainment facilities, indicated that securing this land hold is crucial for obtaining federal funding for initial site work.
During public comments, multiple speakers raised concerns over the historical significance of the land, which was once home to Black families before Asheville acquired it, partially through eminent domain. Tiffany DeBellott of the Government Accountability Project of Asheville emphasized, “The history of this land is intertwined with a broader history of racial control, unequal power, and displacement.”
The Council responded by ensuring that plans would involve collaboration with the Block and East End communities, potentially providing financial partnerships and revenue shares. Council member Smith stated, “Being a partner at the table and just being a design partner, a development partner, educational partner, that’s a lot different from being a partner who has ownership. And I think that’s what the community is due: ownership.”
Additional Council Updates
- During a budget work session, proposals for changes to Asheville’s public parking were discussed. Suggestions included extending meter enforcement to 8 p.m., reducing free parking duration in garages, and expanding meters to South Slope. Council members showed reluctance, especially regarding the removal of the “first hour free” policy.
- D. Tyrell McGirt, the parks and recreation director, updated the Council on redesign efforts for storm-damaged parks. Plans for Azalea Park and the French Broad riverfront are being developed, focusing on flood protection, ecology, and community-building.
- Details of a new “Anti-Displacement and Affordable Housing Project” were shared, aiming to enhance housing options and protect historic neighborhoods’ character. Work is set to continue through the year, including improvements to development notifications and housing regulations.
- A special Council meeting is scheduled at the Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville to discuss potential changes to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance. Advance registration is required, despite concerns over compliance with state law regarding public access.
Regular City Council meetings occur every second and fourth Tuesday at City Hall. The next session is slated for April 14. For more details, see the full meeting recording and related documents from March 24.
