Asheville Reporter

Free WiFi is now available on all Asheville Rides Transit (ART) buses, the City of Asheville announced. This initiative aims to enhance public transportation and improve the rider experience. The service has been implemented in partnership with Land of Sky Regional Council and Dogwood Health Trust through grant funding.

Sara Nichols, Land of Sky Energy and Economic Development Program Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Land of Sky Regional Council’s WestNGN initiative is thrilled to partner with the City of Asheville to bring public WiFi to local transit. Expanding reliable internet access on buses is a game-changer for digital equity, ensuring that riders—whether commuting to work, attending school, or accessing vital services—can stay connected on the go.”

To connect to ART WiFi, riders need to enable WiFi on their mobile devices and select the network labeled “ART####,” where #### corresponds to the bus number. After selecting the network, users must open their web browser and follow prompts to accept terms of service for free internet access during their ride.

The ART WiFi service is available across all routes, allowing passengers to browse the web, check emails, and stay connected while using public transit.

For further details about ART routes, schedules, and services, individuals can visit https://www.ashevillenc.gov/service/transit-maps-schedules/ or email iride@ashevillenc.gov.