Asheville Reporter

On March 18, National Transit Employee Appreciation Day, Asheville Rides Transit (ART) employees are being recognized for their vital contributions to the community. Their efforts were particularly notable during Tropical Storm Helene when ART played a crucial role in emergency response.

During the storm, ART became essential for residents as it provided evacuation and access to necessary resources amid severe conditions like lack of potable water and impassable roads. As part of Asheville's emergency operations plan, ART positioned six drivers near the Emergency Operations Center to ensure an immediate response. In Biltmore Village, where flooding was severe, ART buses waited for evacuees brought by rescue crews using boats. By day's end, over 500 people had been transported to safety through coordinated efforts with rescue teams.

Post-storm, ART adapted its services to meet ongoing needs. Drivers delivered water and supplies to affected neighborhoods when regular operations were halted. Upon resuming service, a flag-down system was introduced due to inaccessible bus stops, allowing passengers to hail buses along routes. Additionally, ART extended its services beyond transportation by offering rides from shelters to FEMA resource centers and Comfort Care Stations for essential services like meals and phone charging. To support residents further, fares were temporarily suspended despite financial strain on the agency.

As National Transit Employee Day is celebrated, the dedication of ART employees is acknowledged as they continue to serve the community in various capacities during crises. Their work during Hurricane Helene has solidified ART's position as a key component of Asheville's disaster response strategy. With ongoing investments and collaboration efforts, ART aims to remain pivotal in ensuring safety and resilience against future challenges.