Public Transportation in the High Country

BY JONATHAN APOLINAR

Public transportation plays a crucial role in providing accessible and sustainable mobility options for residents and visitors in rural areas like the High Country region in North Carolina. Public transit is usually free or relatively inexpensive to the public. Due to this, it is accessible to people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, such as elders, low-income people, and students, guaranteeing that transportation is not a barrier to mobility.

AppalCART, short for Appalachian Regional Comprehensive Transit, is the primary public transportation provider in Watauga County, serving Boone surrounding areas. AppalCART offers fixedroute bus services as well as paratransit services for individuals with disabilities. The buses are also equipped with bike racks, making it convenient for passengers to combine cycling with public transit for their commutes.

Avery County Transportation is the public transportation provider in Avery County, offering transportation services to residents and visitors in the area. The service provides demand-response transportation, which means that passengers need to schedule their trips in advance by calling the Avery County Transportation office. The service operates from Monday to Friday and serves destinations such as medical appointments, shopping centers, and other essential services

Ashe County Transit System is the public transportation provider in Ashe County, offering transportation services to residents and visitors in the county. The service operates fixed-route bus services as well as demand-response transportation. The fixed-route bus service operates on weekdays, providing connections between West Jefferson, Jefferson and serving destinations such as schools, medical facilities, and shopping areas. The demand-response transportation requires passengers to schedule their trips in advance by calling the Ashe

County Transit System office.

One of the greatest advantages of public transportation is the environmental sustainability aspect. By reducing the need for personal vehicles, public transit minimizes air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This encourages a cleaner, healthier environment for the neighborhood and helps the town in its attempts to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. Public transit also encourages social connectedness. It facilitates communication and interaction among individuals, creating a sense of community. As a result of the possibility for passengers to interact and socialize with other travelers, the town as a whole feels more like a community. Public transportation’s social component promotes a more welcoming and inclusive community.