In recent years, ridership on Apple Country Public Transit (ACPT) services declined significantly. The County seeks to increase ridership while optimizing the level of service to current and potential riders. Henderson County is developing a Transit Feasibility Study to determine where there are opportunities to improve transit service in the county. The study will look at existing services, connectivity to important destinations, bus stop location, and first-/last mile connections before recommending transit service enhancements and capital improvements that would make transit more convenient for the community.

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County staff have chosen AECOM as the consultant for the study and will be working closely with them throughout the process. 

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Henderson County’s Apple Country Public Transit (ACPT) offers a vital service to the community, particularly to underserved individuals, providing essential trips to jobs, shopping, and access to health services and education across the entire county. The development of the feasibility study and assessment of existing services is necessary to address gaps in service and to adapt to ever-changing circumstances, such as urban growth, traffic conditions, climate change, and most recently, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Board of Commissioners and County staff have also worked to appoint a steering committee, comprised of a variety of stakeholders, to oversee the study. The steering committee includes members from Blue Ridge Community College, The Partnership for Economic Development, Pardee Hospital, the Tourism Development Authority, Hendersonville City Police, the Council on Aging, the Henderson County Health Department, the Henderson County School System, and the Henderson County Sheriff's Department. More information regarding public outreach events and opportunities for engagement will be shared in the coming months.