UNCA-City Partnership Creates Bulldog Express;
Students Love Weekend Rides to the Mall and Movies

A new bus route offered by the City of Asheville is providing weekend access to downtown Asheville and the Tunnel Road area for UNCA students and the public. The new route, named the Bulldog Express, has taken off, with more than 250 students taking advantage of easy transport over the past two weekends.

Adrienne Ragsdale, a sophomore living on campus, is one of the happy riders. "I recently took the bus to K-Mart and Beaucatcher Cinemas with a friend. We had a great experience and enjoyed being able to get to town without relying on friends with cars. For others like me, who are putting themselves through school and can't afford a car, the new bus line allows us to get off campus to run errands and socialize downtown."

Kelly Franklin, a freshman, was totally enthusiastic about her trip last weekend to and from Wal-Mart. "I loved it! It was so wonderful and convenient. And the driver was very friendly and helpful."

This is just the response UNCA and the city were hoping for. "We feel this new route is a great alternative for UNCA students and others who want to enjoy downtown, a movie or some shopping, but don't want to drive," said Bruce Black, interim city transit services director. "And we want the public to think of the Asheville Transit System as a viable way to meet their transportation needs."

In planning the route with the city, UNCA called on students and residence life staff to select locations students most wanted access to. The route works well in reverse for people who wish to attend cultural and athletic events on the UNCA campus.

UNCA students, faculty and staff can ride free with valid UNCA I.D.s. The route is open to the general public for 75 cents one way and 35 cents for the elderly and handicapped. Paratransit transportation along the route is also available through Mountain Mobility. "We're excited about this new service and have a strong mutual desire to see this succeed," said Tom Byers, executive assistant to the chancellor.

"Everyone benefits, with a bit less traffic in the city and expanded options for students. The Bulldog Express departs every 30 minutes from 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights from a stop on campus and designated bus stops along Tunnel Rd., Merrimon Ave., and W.T. Weaver Blvd.

For a copy of the schedule, call the Asheville Transit Authority at 828/253-5691 or visit the Web site.

Media Contacts:

• Bruce Black, interim City Transit Services Director, 828/253-5691
• Merianne Epstein, UNCA Public Information Director, 828/251-6676