Interested in riding the bus? There’s five public transit operators in our region, plus an intercity bus that will take you from Asheville to other major cities in North Carolina! Click on the regional transit providers in the menu above to learn more.
Bikes on the bus
Almost all of our local transit providers can carry bikes on the bus. Check out the video below from the City of Asheville to learn how! Although the buses look different, the racks work the same way for all services.
Tips for riding the bus
- A single bus stop may have more than one bus route that stops to pick up passengers there. Be sure to check the digital screen above the front windshield as the bus approaches to make sure you’re boarding the correct route for your destination.
- Fixed routes buses can only stop at designated stops, and cannot pick up or drop off passengers anywhere. Be sure you know which stops serve your destination by checking the route info and maps on your local service’s website.
- Some fixed routes offer deviated services, meaning if your destination is within a certain distance of the route, they can drop you off at the front door. Check your local serivce’s website to learn how, as this service is often required to be scheduled ahead of time online or over the phone.
- Most fixed routes have “time stops”. These are the stops you’ll see on the schedule, and the bus should arrive at the times listed. If the bus is running early, they will often wait at those stops until the designated times. There are many stops along fixed routes that are not listed on the schedule, which you can find on the route maps or online. A bus driver will only stop at these bus stops if someone on the bus has pulled the cord to ask to be let off, or if someone is waiting at those stops to be picked up.
- On fixed route service, pull the cord above the window about two blocks before your stop so that the bus driver knows to stop and allow you to exit.
- Check the sign at the bus stop to see which routes stop there, the phone number for the bus service, and app or route info.
- If the bus has two doors, and both doors open when the bus stops, please enter at the front and exit at the back.
- If the bus is full, always give up your seat for people who are elderly, disabled, pregnant, or who look like they need the seat more than you do. Do not block seats with your personal belongings if the bus is full.
- While riding the bus, stand behind the yellow line and do not bother the bus driver. Do not lean against bus doors.
- Food and drinks are not permitted to be eaten while on the bus.
- No smoking or tobacco products.
- Do not block aisles.
- No pets except service animals.
- Most fixed route service in our area is $1/ride or less.
- Check your local bus service for specific rules and requirements.