Policies & Programs

Henderson County provides the following policies and programs for the operation of Apple Country Public Transit.

Policies

Bike Policy
Apple Country Public Transit’s Bike Policy is to support and promote the use of bicycles. Bicycles shall have access to all transit vehicles whenever feasible in order to support more sustainable transportation options. Apple Country Public Transit allows bicycles to travel on buses at no extra charge (buses may be equipped with bicycle racks), providing the greatest flexibility possible within the constraints of capacity and safety.
 

Wheel Chair Policy
All Apple Country Public Transit buses offer wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate customers with disabilities. By ADA standards, wheelchairs must be secured on buses. There are two (2) to three (3) wheelchair securement locations per bus, each equipped with devices which hold the wheelchairs safely in place. Operators provide securement assistance as needed. Lap/shoulder belts are recommended for safety purposes.
 

Boarding the Bus with a Mobility Device

• Wait by the bus stop in view of the bus operator.
• If needed, ask the bus operator to deploy the lift.
• Identify priority seating and securement areas near the front of the bus.
• If preferred, transfer to a seat. It is the rider's choice to transfer to a seat or remain in the mobility device.
• Press the signal strip to request a stop.
• When disembarking, the bus operator will remove the securement straps from your mobility device and deploy the lift.

Tips for Using the Lifts

• Set the brakes on your mobility device and turn off the power.
• If you are standing on the lift, be sure to hold the hand rail.
• Lifts can hold mobility devices up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long, weighing up to 600 pounds when occupied.
• A personal attendant may ride the lift with you.
• Backing your mobility device onto the lift may make it easier to maneuver into the securement area.

Pets on Buses

Smaller domesticated animals (cats & dogs) can be carried on in pet carrying cages and held in your lap. Service animals which have been trained to assist an individual in living independently are permitted on board.

Apple Country Public Transit Non-Discrimination Policy (Titulo VI POLITICA DE NO DISCRIMINACION)

Apple Country Public Transit will provide transit service to all citizens regardless of their race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Apple Country Public Transit shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and shall take action to ensure that applicants and employees are not discriminated against during employment. The transit system shall make special efforts to provide transportation for persons with disabilities, and will comply with 49 CFR 27, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability. These rights are protected under Title VI of 1964. To make a Title VI complaint complete the Complaint Form found in Apple Country Public Transit's non-discrimination policy.

Please see the PDF documents below for Apple Country Public Transit's process and procedures for addressing American with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaints, ADA complaint form, and the Procedure for Considering Public Comments for Apple Country Transit.

Disputes and Refusals

In case of a dispute with a driver, please pay the fare and call 828.698.8571 to discuss the dispute with a supervisor. Apple County Public Transit has the right to refuse any passenger.
 

Programs

Paratransit Services

Henderson County contracts with Western Carolina Community Action (WNCSource) to provide paratransit service within the Apple County Public Transit service area (within 3/4 mile of Apple Country Public Transit routes). To determine ADA Paratransit service eligibility, please contact WCCA directly at 828.698.8571.
Henderson County will provide reasonable modifications to accommodate riders with a disability.
 

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

Apple Country Public Transit’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Policy is a federally mandated program to give assistance to businesses owned and operated by certain minorities. Apple Country Public Transit has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), 49 CFR Part 26. The DBE program has received federal financial assistance from USDOT, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, Henderson County has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26. It is the policy of the Apple Country Public Transit to ensure that DBEs, as defined in part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in USDOT assisted contracts.