REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, Assistant City Manager
City of Fresno
BY: JOE VARGAS, Assistant Director
Department of Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the Director of Transportation or designee, to execute an agreement between the City of Fresno and California State University, Fresno (CSUF) allowing CSUF students, staff, and faculty to use their university-issued identification cards to access Fresno Area Express (FAX) fixed-route buses at no cost.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends City Council authorize the Director of Transportation or designee, to execute a one-year agreement, with two one-year extensions, between the City of Fresno and California State University, Fresno, (CSUF), allowing CSUF students, staff, and faculty to use their university-issued identification cards to access Fresno Area Express (FAX) fixed-route buses at no cost retroactive to September 1, 2021.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FAX installed automated fare collection equipment in 2013, allowing CSUF students, staff and faculty to swipe their ID cards at the farebox for fare payment on FAX buses at no cost to the passenger. FAX will bill CSUF monthly for all rides provided at a rate of $0.90 per ride, with a monthly cap of $30.00 per user. The monthly cap of $30.00 is for billing purposes only and when the threshold is met, passengers will continue to have unlimited access. Annual cost is not to exceed $125,000 and be retroactive to September 1, 2021. This rate is equivalent to a 10-percent discount off the regular fare. The agreement is for one year and can be renewed for up to two one-year extensions.
BACKGROUND
In 2013, FAX installed Genfare Odyssey Fareboxes capable of accepting various new fare media, including magnetic stripe cards, which are used on various ID cards. CSUF partnered with FAX during the original procurement process as a regional partner. The goal of the partner agency is to reduce parking congestion, improve air quality, and provide an alternative method of arriving on campus. This agreement will allow CSUF students, faculty, and staff to swipe their ID cards at the farebox for fare payment on FAX buses. FAX will bill CSUF monthly for all rides provided at a rate of $0.90 per ride, with a monthly cap of $30.00 per user. The monthly cap of $30.00 is for billing purposes only and when the threshold is met, passengers will continue to have unlimited access. Annual cost is not to exceed $125,000 and be retroactive to September 1, 2021. This rate is equivalent to a 10-percent discount off the regular fare.
This program first rolled out with CSUF in 2014 as a three year demonstration project. It has been very successful with an average of 150,000 passenger trips per year. The program was continued with renewed contracts up until the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that in-person classes are resuming on campus, CSUF has expressed interest in entering into a new contract.
The CSUF campus is served by FAX15 Routes 9 and 38. With the fare technology and this agreement, FAX will be able to track university ridership independent from other riders. The agreement is for one year and can be renewed for up to two one-year extensions, effective retroactive to September 1, 2021, and will be evaluated annually.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved as to form the proposed agreement.
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 no impact to the general fund.
Attachment: Agreement between CSUF and COF through FAX