REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JOE VARGAS, Interim Director
Department of Transportation
BY: BELINDA MCMILLAN HAENER, Administrative Manager
Department of Transportation, Administration Division
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 567th Amendment to the Master Fee Schedule Resolution No.80-420 to update reduced transit fare pricing. (Subject to Mayor's Veto).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve the action pertaining to an amendment to the Master Fee Schedule Resolution No. 80-420 to Adjust Various Fees in the Transportation/FAX Department, as discussed by the City Council during FY22 budget hearings.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Transportation/Fresno Area Express (FAX) seeks approval from the City Council to amend the Master Fee Schedule reducing transit fares on the fixed route and paratransit system. The Department provided free bus rides on its fixed route and paratransit systems from March 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021, as part of the Zero Fare Clean Air (ZFCA) Act to assist passengers experiencing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under CFR C 4702.1B, the FTA allows for a temporary fare reduction of up to 6 months.
During the FY22 budget hearing process, the City Council and FAX staff agreed upon completion of the six-month free fare period to reinstate transit fares at a reduced price, beginning September 1, 2021. This action formally adopts that direction.
BACKGROUND
FAX is the City's fixed route bus system and Handy Ride is the City's demand responsive, curb-to-curb service for the disabled mandated by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) law. In FY2019, FAX provided over 10.5 million individual passenger trips on fixed routes and Handy Ride provided over 200,000 trips. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in FY2020, ridership has decreased. In FY2021, FAX provided 5.6 million individual passenger trips on fixed routes and Handy Ride provided nearly 100,000 trips. Th...
Click here for full text