Senior Transportation in Buncombe County

When someone stops driving, getting to medical appointments, the pharmacy, and the grocery store becomes one of the first real challenges a family faces. The good news is that Buncombe County has more options than most people realize, from free county rides to volunteer drivers to transportation built into Medicaid and VA benefits. Here is how the main options compare and how to arrange each one.

At a glance

Mountain Mobility: door-to-door county rides

Mountain Mobility is the community transportation system for Buncombe County, and for most older adults who can no longer drive it is the backbone. It provides door-to-door, demand-response rides across the county, meaning you schedule trips in advance rather than catching a fixed route. Adults 65 and older can also get a free monthly pass for the ART city buses through Mountain Mobility, and its RIDE voucher program helps elderly and disabled residents pay for trips at a discount. Call (828) 250-6750 and choose option 5 to check eligibility and register. Book ahead, since same-day trips are not available and midday hours, roughly 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., are easiest to schedule. There is more on the county transportation page.

ART city buses and ART Access paratransit

Asheville Rides Transit (ART) runs the city bus system, with one-way fares around a dollar and discounts for seniors, Medicare recipients, and riders with disabilities. Routes cover Asheville and reach Black Mountain. If a disability keeps you from getting to or using a fixed route, ART Access is the complementary paratransit service, operated by Mountain Mobility, that picks you up within about three-quarters of a mile of any ART route during the same hours for a couple of dollars per trip. Certify for ART Access through the same Mountain Mobility eligibility line, (828) 250-6750, option 5.

Council on Aging Call-A-Ride

When public transit will not work and someone needs a hand, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County runs Call-A-Ride, a volunteer-driver program for county residents 60 and older who can no longer drive. Volunteers provide rides to doctor visits, the pharmacy, durable medical equipment pickups, the grocery store, and hair appointments. Call (828) 277-8288 to apply, and request each ride at least a week ahead. It is transportation only, volunteers do not run errands, trips stay within Buncombe County, and because it depends on volunteers a ride is not guaranteed, so it works best alongside another option rather than as your only plan.

Rides to medical appointments

If you have Medicaid

North Carolina Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation, or NEMT, free rides to and from covered appointments for people who have no other way to get there. How you arrange it depends on your plan. With NC Medicaid Direct, rides are arranged through the Buncombe County Department of Social Services. In a Standard Plan or Tailored Plan, call your health plan or its transportation broker. In Buncombe County, the Land of Sky Regional Council administers both Medicaid transportation and Mountain Mobility. There is more detail on the NC Medicaid NEMT page.

If you are a veteran

Veterans enrolled for care at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville can ride for free through the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) van program, staffed by volunteer drivers who are themselves veterans. Schedule at least 48 hours ahead by calling the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator at (828) 298-7911; the office is in Building 47 at 1100 Tunnel Road. Riders need to be able to board and exit the van on their own. See our guide for veterans for other benefits that can help with care and transportation.

Other ways to get around

Two more options are worth knowing. Many assisted living and independent living communities run their own scheduled shuttles for medical appointments, shopping, and outings, so if a loved one lives in one, ask what is included; it is often a deciding factor. And for needs the public services cannot meet, such as wheelchair or stretcher transport, private medical transportation companies operate throughout the area for a fee. If cost is a concern, start with Mountain Mobility, Call-A-Ride, and any Medicaid or VA coverage first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best transportation option for a senior who no longer drives in Buncombe County?

For most people Mountain Mobility is the starting point: door-to-door county-wide rides plus a free ART bus pass for adults 65 and older. If public transit will not work, the Council on Aging Call-A-Ride adds volunteer drivers. Call Mountain Mobility at (828) 250-6750, option 5.

Are there free rides to medical appointments?

Yes. Medicaid members can use non-emergency medical transportation at no cost, and veterans enrolled at the Asheville VA can ride free through the DAV van program. Mountain Mobility and Call-A-Ride also serve medical trips at low or no cost depending on the program.

How far in advance do I need to book a ride?

Plan ahead. Mountain Mobility does not offer same-day rides, Call-A-Ride asks for about a week of notice, and the DAV vans need at least 48 hours. Booking early also gets you the easier midday time slots.

Does the city bus cost less for seniors?

Yes. ART offers discounted fares for seniors and Medicare recipients, and adults 65 and older can get a free monthly ART pass through Mountain Mobility.