Asheville’s Million-Dollar Electric Bus Debacle: What Went Wrong?
Ever wondered what happens when a city invests millions in cutting-edge technology, only to watch it gather dust? Asheville’s electric bus saga is a cautionary tale of innovation gone awry—and it’s costing taxpayers dearly.
Back in 2018, Asheville proudly purchased five Proterra electric buses, each priced at a staggering $616,796-plus. Add in infrastructure costs, battery leases, and electric charges, and the total expense soared to nearly a million dollars per bus. But here’s where it gets controversial: as of January 2024, not a single one of these buses is in service.
The city’s spokesperson, Kim Miller, confirmed that the buses are grounded due to a critical issue: the inability to procure parts. Proterra, the manufacturer, is mired in bankruptcy proceedings, leaving Asheville—and many other transit agencies nationwide—in a lurch. City Attorney Brad Branham revealed that his office has been working for months to terminate the leases, with one agreement already in place and another in negotiation. But the financial burden persists, and the city hopes to sever ties with these buses by early 2026.
And this is the part most people miss: Asheville isn’t just shelving these buses—it’s shelving its plans for future electric transit until the industry can prove its reliability. Miller stated unequivocally that the city won’t invest in more electric buses until the technology meets the Asheville Rides Transit system’s needs for range, reliability, and cost. It’s a sobering reality check for anyone who thought electric transit was a silver bullet.
But here’s a thought-provoking question: Did Asheville jump the gun on this technology, or is this just a growing pain for an industry still finding its footing? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take.
Abandoned Homes in Asheville: How Long Can Neglect Last?
Now, let’s shift gears to a different kind of eyesore: abandoned homes. Imagine walking through a dense neighborhood, only to stumble upon a crumbling house, overgrown with vines and practically swallowed by nature. How long can a homeowner neglect their property before the city steps in?
One reader described just such a scene in Kenilworth, where a house has been abandoned for years, its out-of-state owner refusing to take action. The city’s response? Without a specific address, they can’t comment on this particular case. But here’s how the system should work: residents can report derelict properties through the Asheville App, triggering an inspection by the Development Services Department Compliance Team.
If a violation of the Housing Code Ordinance is found, the city attempts to locate the owner and enforce compliance. But here’s the catch: the code prioritizes safety over aesthetics. That means boarding up windows and fencing the property—not necessarily making it look pretty. Is this enough, or should the city take a tougher stance on neglected properties?
Mark Matheny, director of the Development Services Department, emphasizes that compliance—not demolition—is the priority. “It’s a matter of public safety,” he said. But for neighborhoods like Kenilworth, the question remains: how long is too long when it comes to eyesores like these?
We want to hear from you. Have you reported an abandoned property and seen no action? What do you think the city should do differently? Let’s start a conversation—because these issues aren’t just about buses or buildings. They’re about the future of our community.
Happy New Year, Asheville! Let’s make 2024 a year of progress and accountability. And remember, if you’ve got a question, send it our way. We’re here to get answers.
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