FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Mayor Jerry Dyer and the City of Fresno announce a proposal on Wednesday that would introduce student bus fares for students who wish to utilize the Fresno Area Express (FAX) transit system.
Under the proposal, which will be heard before the Fresno City Council Thursday, Dec. 1st, 2022, any student with a valid student photo ID would be eligible for a new student fare that will cost $0.75 per ride, with an option for a $22 monthly pass, effective January 1, 2023.
“The last thing we want our students to worry about is transportation, particularly to school,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “This new student fare, paired with renewed partnerships with our educational institutions, reinforces our commitment to youth, transportation, and education. ”
In conjunction with the proposed new student fare rate offered by FAX, Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) announced that they will be offering free bus passes to their high school students.
Previously, FUSD had provided students who are unhoused, in foster care, or part of other special populations with free rides on FAX buses.
Beginning in January, all high school students will be eligible.
“The new reduced student fare for FAX is great news for our high school students, many of whom struggle to pay for even basic needs, like transportation. Thank you to the City of Fresno for providing support that will help our students get to school every day,” – Superintendent Bob Nelson
In addition, both Fresno State and the State Center Community College District (SCCCD) are restarting their free fare programs with FAX that began in 2017 but were suspended due to COVID.
The program at Fresno State allows students with a student ID, faculty, and staff to ride for free.
“We are grateful to the City of Fresno and the Department of Transportation who understand the value of supporting students,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “This partnership helps to close access and equity gaps. By empowering Fresno State students to easily come to campus, the City of Fresno fuels their dream to become future leaders of our community.”
The SCCCD program allows students with an ASB card, faculty, and staff to also ride for free.
The program had been suspended since the summer of 2020.
Through a grant sought by Council Vice President Tyler Maxwell, the PG&E Foundation awarded SCCCD with $100,000 to offset the cost of their student fare program.
“Our local college students shouldn’t have to worry about how they’re going to afford reliable transportation to school or an internship,” said Fresno City Council Vice President Tyler Maxwell.
“As a champion of Zero Fare and increased access to public transportation, I am grateful to all of our local partners working with the City of Fresno to ensure bus rides remain free for any and all local college students.”
-Fresno City Council Vice President Tyler Maxwell
“State Center Community College District, Fresno City College, and Clovis Community College in particular, are pleased to partner with the City of Fresno on this important project which will benefit countless numbers of our students by helping to ease some of the financial costs associated with their college experience,” said SCCCD Chancellor Carole Goldsmith.
“This is a great example of collaboration between education, government, and business to improve the lives of students and our community.”
–SCCCD Chancellor Carole Goldsmith
In the 2018 – 2019 school year, a total of 371,621 rides were given to students who are part of SCCCD.
During that same time frame at Fresno State, a total of 173,581 rides were given to students, faculty, and staff.
Students at Fresno State and SCCCD are encouraged to contact their college for more details.
