ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville public transportation has received an upgrade in the form of free Wi-Fi.
Asheville Rides Transit buses are now equipped with Internet connectivity, the city of Asheville announced in a March 4 press release.
“This new service is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public transportation and improving the rider experience,” wrote Christy Edwards, strategic communication manager for the city of Asheville.
The new ART bus feature is made possible through grant funding from Land of Sky Regional Council and Dogwood Health Trust.
“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,” stated Sara Nichols, Land of Sky energy and economic development program manager, in the release.
WestNGN Broadband is a Land of Sky initiative designed to bring Wi-Fi access to underserved regions of western North Carolina. In a 2019 survey with over 8,500 responses, WestNGN found that 13% of the population of Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania Counties did not have access to broadband. Over 50% said their service didn’t meet their needs.
“That number increases significantly when data is looked at for more rural areas where only satellite services may be offered,” the Land of Sky site wrote.
Access to Wi-Fi on ART buses is another step toward providing Internet to every part of the Asheville area.
How to access ART Wi-Fi:
- Enable Wi-Fi on your device
- Select the network “ART####” from the available options – “####” corresponds to the bus number
- Open your web browser and follow the prompts to accept the terms of service
- Enjoy free Internet access during your ART ride
For more information about ART routes, schedules, and services, visit www.ashevillenc.gov/service/transit-maps-schedules or email iride@ashevillenc.gov.
