Ashland rolls out transit app and discusses Visit Ashland funding for downtown events

City staff demonstrated a new mobile app for the Ashland bus system and commissioners discussed funding and accountability for downtown events coordinated through Visit Ashland.

Staff explained the app (available at ashlandky.paciogo.com) shows live vehicle positions, estimated arrival times and color-coded routes; it also includes passenger-count reporting for FTA compliance and an electronic pre/post-trip checklist for drivers. "It's gonna tell you how long the bus will take to get to A and then to pick you up and take you to B," a staff member said. Officials said bus drivers are being trained, brochures and QR codes will be placed on buses and in municipal communications, and the system will be used for both management and customer information.

On tourism and events funding, commissioners asked Visit Ashland representatives for detailed accounting of First Fridays expenditures, sponsorship revenue and the group's ARPA request. A Visit Ashland representative offered to provide monthly budget vs. actual reports and year-over-year breakdowns. Commissioners emphasized the need for transparency before allocating additional city funds. "I can send you a breakdown of what it cost to run them," the representative said.

What happens next: Staff will continue the app marketing and place links and QR codes on the city website and bills. Visit Ashland will provide monthly spending breakdowns and prior-year reports to the commission for review during the upcoming budget discussions.