Construction of the N.C. Center for Health & Wellness, the largest building project undertaken in the history of the campus, began this summer. When completed in December 2010 it will provide tremendous benefits to students, faculty, staff, visitors and the Greater Asheville Community.

A project this large on a campus as compact as UNC Asheville’s will create some temporary inconveniences. With the start of construction came the temporary loss of some 200 parking spaces that occupied the former tennis court area. The parking spaces were used by some faculty and staff members, and a greater number of commuting students. The new parking deck that will be part of the N.C. Center for Health & Wellness complex will not be in use until overall project construction is complete. 
 

This situation has presented the campus community with an opportunity to make better use of existing parking on the periphery of campus and reduce our carbon footprint. To that end, Transportation Services will begin operating a new campus area shuttle service beginning August 19, 2008.  

The free shuttle service, named BARCS for Bulldog ARea Commuter Shuttle, is designed to be used by students, staff, faculty, members of the N.C. Center for Creative Retirement, and campus visitors. The shuttle service will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays thorough Fridays when classes are in session. See the BARCS schedule.  

On campus, BARCS will serve two new Park-and-Ride stops:  

Lot A at University Publications (see lower left corner on the campus map). This lot is available for faculty, staff, NCCCR members, and non-resident students 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Lot B at Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church on Edgewood Road (see upper right corner on the campus map). This lot is available for faculty, staff, and NCCCR members only, 24 hours a day, Mondays through Fridays only.  

Individuals using the Park-and-Ride locations can do so without purchasing an annual $70 parking permit.  

The shuttle’s on-campus route will stop at most parking lots, buildings, and places of interest on campus. The on-campus route is represented by the blue dotted line on the campus map and a detailed schedule (PDF) is also available online.

In addition, BARCS will help reduce demand for commuter student parking on campus by providing free transportation between UNC Asheville and several local apartment complexes, including the Grove, Mountain Trace, Pinnacle Ridge, and University Place, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Fridays. See the BARCS schedule for details.  

Those commuting to campus on city buses and those who live near the University may find it advantageous to use one of the shuttle stops at the apartment complexes. See the BARCS schedule for details.  

Q: How many shuttles will be in operation?  
There will be two shuttles, which each hold 14 passengers.  

Q: How frequently do they run?  
The shuttles make a complete route loop every 20 minutes, on average. See the BARCS schedule for details. 

Q: Are the shuttles handicap accessible?  
Service will begin this August with two existing shuttles that are not accessible. They will be replaced by two new ADA-compliant shuttles that have been purchased and are expected to be in use by mid-September.  

Q: If demand outstrips capacity, are you able to increase the number of shuttles you're running?  
Yes, Campus Transportation will closely monitor demand and increase accordingly.  

Q: Will the shuttles run during breaks or the summer?  
No, the shuttles will not run during holidays, breaks or the summer.  

Q: When will the parking spaces now temporarily lost due to construction return?  
The N.C. Center for Health & Wellness project includes a parking deck, which will be available when project is complete in December 2010.  

Q: Will the shuttle service be discontinued when the parking deck at the N.C. Center for Health & Wellness opens?  
The University will reassess the shuttle service at that time, but reducing the demand for campus parking and reducing the University's carbon footprint are consistent with the environmental sustainability goals in UNC Asheville's Strategic Plan.  

Q: How do I ride the shuttle?  
Look for the posted signs saying: UNC Asheville shuttle stops here. When you board, let the driver know where on the route you'll want to get off. The shuttle’s on-campus route will stop at most parking lots, buildings, and places of interest on campus. This route is represented by the blue dotted line on the campus map. A detailed schedule of stops is also available online.  

Q: What if I miss the last shuttle to my apartment?  
All of the areas serviced are in close proximity to UNC Asheville. We would hope that making your own way home would not present an undue hardship.  

Q: Where can I provide feedback on the shuttle service?   
Please e-mail transportation@unca.edu or call Campus Transportation at 828/251-6691.  

PASSport Program  
Faculty, staff and students may ride ALL Asheville City Transit Routes for FREE with their OneCard through the PASSport program.  For more information, http://www.ashevillenc.gov/residents/transportation/city_bus/default.aspx?id=1028 

Commuter Assistance Program (CAP) 
Faculty, staff and students who commute to campus by any form of transportation may enroll in UNC Asheville's Commuter Assistance Program (CAP). 

You will automatically be enrolled in the City of Asheville's Way to Go Program. The Way to Go Program entitles individuals to free rides home in emergencies via cab.  

CAP participants also receive 10 free one-day parking permits, and five free mountain bike rentals from the campus cycle shop.  

For more information on the PassPort and CAP programs, e-mail transportation@unca.edu or call Campus Transportation at 828/251-6691