REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GREGORY BARFIELD, Director
Department of Transportation
THROUGH: DREW WILSON, Planning Manager
Department of Transportation/Planning Division
BY: JEFF LONG, Senior Regional Planner
Department of Transportation/Planning Division
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Revenue Agreement with the State Community Center College District, subsidizing transit fares on Fresno Area Express buses for a period of three years with the option to extend two, one-year extensions, for a total compensation not to exceed $120,000 annually
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year Revenue Agreement with two one-year extensions between the City of Fresno and the State Center Community College District (SCCCD). This agreement allows students, faculty, and staff SCCD to use their agency-issued identification cards for free access on Fresno Area Express (FAX) fixed-route buses.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Through its automated fare collection equipment, FAX can accept different types of fare media, including agency-issued magnetic stripe identification cards. These cards can be used by SCCCD students, faculty, and staff to swipe their ID cards at the farebox for fare payment. FAX will bill SCCCD for all rides provided at a rate of $0.75 per ride, with a maximum of $22.00 per month per rider, subsidizing the cost for students, faculty, and staff. The SCCCD agreement is for three years and can be renewed for up to two one-year extensions.
A Title VI Fare Equity Analysis for Student Fares was approved by City Council on December 1, 2022, with the Budget Resolution amending the Master Fee Schedule, finds no disparate impact on minority populations or disproportionate burden on low-income populations.
BACKGROUND
In 2013, FAX installed SPX Genfare Odyssey Fareboxes capable of accepting various new fare media, including magnetic stripe cards, which are used on various ID cards. SCCCD began using the ID based card system in August 2017 for Fresno City College and in August 2018, added Clovis Community College.
SCCCD students, faculty, and staff have taken 1,659,299 unlinked passenger trips on FAX fixed-route buses. This has generated over $931,000 in farebox revenue for FAX. This agreement continues the long-standing relationship between FAX and SCCCD.
The Fresno City College campus is served by FAX Routes 1(Q), 20, and 28. The Clovis Community College campus is served by FAX Route 3.
The ID based program allows students, faculty, and staff from Fresno City College, and Clovis Community College to swipe their ID cards at the farebox for payment. FAX will bill the colleges monthly for all rides provided at a rate of $0.75 per ride, up to a maximum of $22.00 per month as stated in the Master Fee Schedule. The Title VI Fare Equity Analysis completed for the student fare found no disparate impact on minority populations or disproportionate burden on low-income populations.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved as to form the proposed agreements.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a “project” pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Not applicable since City is not purchasing goods or services.
FISCAL IMPACT
This agreement will have impact to the general fund.
Attachment:
Agreement between SCCCD and City of Fresno though FAX