Major Overhaul of ART: Asheville’s $55M Transit Contract and Frequency Plan Set for Summer

Asheville -- April 9, 2026: Asheville’s public transit system, Asheville Rides Transit (ART), is entering a high-stakes era of transformation. Following a narrow 4-3 vote by the Asheville City Council, the city has finalized a new $55M, four-year contract with transit operator RATP Dev, set to take effect in July 2026.This new agreement isn't just a renewal; it’s a rigorous restructuring aimed at fixing long-standing reliability issues. For the first time, the contract includes "teeth"—financia