Bus Riding Basics
About FAX
What’s New
This section highlights recent changes.
We hope these changes are helpful and we encourage you to share this information with other passengers.
- Fresno Area Express recently expanded service on Route 58E, Children’s Hospital. A new bus stop was recently placed in front of the River Vista Behavioral Health Center at 40886 Goodwin Way.
- Changes were made to selected schedule timepoints along route 33 to improve overall route performance.
- Route 34 was recently extended southward to provide service to the North Pointe Business Park, including Amazon, Ulta, the IRS and other businesses. The frequency on Route 34 also improved, now operating every 15 minutes instead of every 20 minutes.
- Route 45 was also recently extended to add service to Justin Garza High School and Glacier Point Middle School. The frequencies on Route 3, 20, and 45 also recently improved, operating every 30 minutes, down from 45 minutes.
- In addition to their federal or state ID, transit riders can show their Medicare Identification Card, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Disabled Person Placard Receipt, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) Award Letter (dated within 12 months). At this time, eligible reduced fare riders can ride free.
As always, thank you for riding FAX.
Welcome Aboard FAX!
WE ARE FRESNO’S FAST & EFFICIENT TRANSIT SYSTEM… offering 18 fixed-route bus lines and Handy Ride Paratransit Service, all designed to help you get wherever you need to go! We take pride in serving the greater Fresno Metropolitan Area with high-quality transit service – with a modern fleet of over 115 buses and a dedicated team of transit professionals. Fresno Area Express is operated by the City of Fresno as a public service to all the residents and visitors of Fresno.
FIND THE CORRECT BUS ROUTE – The first step in riding the bus is finding the correct bus route (or routes) to reach your destination. Use the FAX System Map to determine which route is best. Remember that you can transfer from one route to another to reach your destination.
FIND OUT WHAT TIME THE BUS WILL ARRIVE AT YOUR STOP – Use this FAX Schedule Guide to find out what time the bus serves the route you are planning to use. FAX regular service hours are Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and weekends 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Late-night service is available on select routes until approximately midnight Monday through Saturday (see the Night Service Map for details).
CATCHING THE BUS – Please remember that buses will only stop at designated stops. Designated stops include FAX bus stop signs that show which route(s) serves that stop. If you are seated at a shelter, or on a bus bench, please stand up, if you are physically able, to let the driver know you wish to board. If you are boarding with a stroller, please have the item folded and ready.
PAYING YOUR FARE – Cash, tickets, passes, and transfers can be used on all buses. If you use cash, exact fare is recommended because the fareboxes do not make change. Instead, you will receive a change card that can be used on future rides. Change cards cannot be redeemed for cash and will not be issued for values less than 25¢. Have your fare ready when the bus arrives. The farebox accepts $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. Note: Every bus station along Route 1 (The Q), includes a ticket vending machine; FAX encourages passengers to prepay on Route 1 to speed up the boarding process and keep the bus moving on time.
LEAVING THE BUS – Be alert for your destination. To signal the bus driver to stop, pull the cord above the windows or press the rubber strip between the windows a minimum of one block before your desired bus stop. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before leaving your seat. Remember that buses will stop only at designated bus stops. Leave through the rear doors if possible to allow new passengers to board. At the end of the line, passengers must exit the bus.
TRANSFERS – Transfers are free with a paid fare and allow unlimited transfers for 90 minutes on all routes in any direction. Transfers must be requested from the bus driver at the time of boarding.
LOST AND FOUND – To inquire about lost items call (559) 621-RIDE (7433). If possible, let us know the date and description of the item(s) so that we may better assist you in locating the lost item(s).
TRANSPORTATION FOR CITY OF FRESNO COOLING AND HEATING CENTERS – FAX will provide transportation to City of Fresno Cooling and Heating Centers when they are open. Passengers just need to inform the bus driver of their destination, and the ride is free.
FAX CARTS AND CARGO POLICY – FAX bus drivers and supervisors have the authority to determine if a cart, stroller, or other items are too big or dangerous to be transported safely on the bus. Riders are limited to bags or items that can be reasonably carried on their laps when seated or placed safely under, or in front of, their seats. Please refer to the FAX Carts and Cargo Policy located on our website here: https://www.fresno.gov/transportation/fax/rider-tools/bus-riding-basics/#carts-and-cargo-policy
NOTICE TO RIDERS WHO HAVE MEDICARE CARDS – Riders who possess a Medicare Card and proper identification are eligible for a 50¢ one-way fare at all times.
ACCESSIBILITY – All FAX buses have entry ramps for easy access to passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices, or have difficulty climbing steps. Walkers/Rollators (4-wheeled walkers with seats) must be folded and placed in the aisles. Walker and Rollator users must always sit in a regular bus seat. Walkers and Rollators cannot be used as a seat while riding the bus and may not be secured in the wheelchair securement area.
HANDY RIDE – Handy Ride is a FAX service designed to transport eligible persons with disabilities. The service is available to those persons who, because of the nature of their disability, are unable to use the FAX fixed-route system. Handy Ride is a curb-to-curb service provided from any origin to any destination within the service area, for any trip purpose. It is a shared-ride service, which means you may share your ride with other riders. You must be at the curb at your designated pick-up time.
| HANDY RIDE SERVICE HOURS | Day Schedule | Night Service (Limited Service Area) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 5:30 am – 9:30 pm | 9:30 pm – 12 am |
| Saturday | 6:30 am – 7:00 pm | 7:00 pm – 12 am |
| Sunday | 6:30 am – 7:00 pm | |
| HANDY RESERVATION HOURS | ||
| Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – 5 pm | |
| Saturday/Sunday | 8:00 am – 5 pm |
Eligible persons can schedule a trip reservation by calling Handy Ride at (559) 621-5770. When calling in, please state your name first. Reservation staff will then ask a series of questions regarding desired pick-up time, pick-up location, destination, etc., to schedule the requested trip. Persons who are ADA Handy Ride Certified may make reservations one to two days before the desired trip. If illness or a change in plans causes you to cancel a trip, please inform Handy Ride at least one hour before your scheduled pick-up time.
For complete information regarding Handy Ride eligibility and service, contact FAX at (559) 621-RIDE (7433) or visit the Handy Ride web page
TITLE VI – Fresno Area Express is committed to ensuring that no individual or organization is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of its programs, activities or services, or subject to discrimination based on race, color, or national origin as afforded to them by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. For more information please contact customer service at (559) 621-RIDE (7433), dial 711 California Relay Service, or visit the Title VI Non-Discrimination page.
HOLIDAY SERVICE – Bus service is not provided on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. Other legal holidays may have reduced service. Sunday schedule service is provided on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and the day before Christmas.
RULES TO RIDE BY –
- Do not smoke aboard the bus
- Do not eat or drink aboard the bus
- Walk – do not run aboard the bus
- Keep all bus aisles clear
- Please keep seats clean and feet on the floor
- Place all trash in trash cans
- Use earphones for all personal audio devices (radios, phones, etc.)
- Animals are not allowed except in approved animal carriers (service animals excepted)
- No disruptive behavior or foul language
- Do not cross in front of or behind the bus
- Do not attempt to board a bus that has pulled away from the curb
- Children must be supervised at all times
- Remain seated (if seats are available) when the bus is in motion
- Hazardous materials are not allowed on buses
- Always load your bike into the rack closest to the bus
Bike n’ Bus
Use your bicycle in combination with Fresno Area Express to make travel even more convenient!
Plus, it’s a great way to get exercise and to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. All FAX Buses are equipped with bike racks. The bike racks are located on the front bumper of the bus and are capable of accommodating 3 bicycles at a time. No additional fare or permit is required. The racks are available to all FAX passengers on a space-available basis. Bicycles are not permitted inside the bus at any time. Please remember that it is your responsibility to safely load and unload your bicycle.
LOADING YOUR BIKE
- Before catching your bus, remove any bike accessories such as tire pumps or water bottles that could become loose while the bus is in motion
- When the bus arrives, tell the driver that you will be loading your bike onto the rack
- Always load from curbside or while directly in front of the bus. Never load on the driver’s side near the flow of traffic
- Use one hand to hold your bike and the other to unfold the rack
- While gripping the rack handle, slightly push in on the rack to unlock and release it from its folded position. Then, lower the rack down (1)
- Lift your bike into the rack placing both tires into the wheel slots (2)
- Always load your bike into the rack closest to the bus
- Pull the support arm up and adjust it securely over the front tire (3)
UNLOADING YOUR BIKE
- As you approach your destination request a stop by pulling the bell cord or press the rubber strip
- Tell the driver that you will be unloading your bike from the rack and exit through the front door of the bus
- Unload your bike from curbside or while directly in front of the bus. Never unload your bike from the driver’s side
- Raise the support arm off the tire and lay it down into its locked position
- Lift your bike out of the bike rack
- If there are no other bikes in the rack, lift and push the bicycle rack up to the folded and locked position
- Step back onto the curb with your bike and you’re ready to roll!
FAX IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSS OF BICYCLES INCURRED WHILE USING BUS BIKE RACK
FAX / Clovis Destinations
FAX DESTINATIONS
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
| School | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Ahwahnee | 34 |
| Bullard Talent | 9,26 |
| Computech | 38 |
| Cooper | 20 |
| Fort Miller | Q, 28, 32, 39, 41, 45 |
| Gaston | 32 |
| Hamilton K-8 | 26, 39 |
| Kings Canyon | 22, 26 |
| Rio Vista | 3, 20 |
| Scandinavian | 41 |
| Sequoia | 26, 38 |
| Tehipite | 32, 33 |
| Tenaya | 26 |
| Terronez | 41 |
| Tioga | 9, 34 |
| Wawona | 26, 45 |
| Yosemite | 35, 38 |
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
| School | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Central High East | 12, 45 |
| Clovis North | 3 |
| Clovis West | 58 |
| Bullard | 26 |
| Fresno | 20, 26 |
| Hoover | 34 |
| McLane | 38, 39 |
| San Joaquin Memorial | 32 |
| Edison | 38 |
| Edison Computech | 38 |
| Duncan Polytechnical | 28, 38 |
| Roosevelt | 22, 38 |
| DeWolf | 20, 41 |
| Sunnyside | Q, 26 |
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
| School | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Alliant | 39 |
| Cal Christian | 39, 41 |
| Fresno State | 9, 38 |
| Cesar E Chavez Adult School | Q, 20 |
| Clovis Community College, Main Campus | 3 |
| Clovis Community College, Herndon Campus | 3 |
| Fresno City College | Q, 28 |
| Fresno Pacific | 26, 41 |
| San Joaquin Valley College | 32 |
GOVERNMENT OFFICES
| Government Office | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| County Department of Social Services (DSS) | 28 |
| City Hall | Q, 22, 32 |
| Fresno Area Express (FAX) | 26, 28 |
| Federal Building | 22 |
| State Building | Q, 22, 32 |
| County Library | Q, 22, 32 |
| Marjorie Mason Center | 22 |
TRANSPORTATION
SHOPPING CENTERS & MALLS
| Shopping Center | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Ashlan Park | 38, 45 |
| Bullard West | 22 |
| Eastgate Plaza | 32 |
| Eastgate Shopping Ctr | Q, 41 |
| El Paseo Shopping Center | 3, 20 |
| Fashion Fair | 9, 32, 34 |
| Fig Garden | 9, 26 |
| Fulton Central Business District (CBD) | Q, 22, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38 |
| Kearney Palms Shopping Ctr | 32, 34, 38 |
| Manchester | Q, 28, 41 |
| Northgate | Q |
| Riverpark | Q, 26, 32, 38, 58, 58E |
| Sierra Vista | 9 |
HOSPITALS
| Hospital | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Community Regional Medical Ctr | 32 |
| Kaiser Hospital | 32 |
| Saint Agnes | 3, 34 |
| Valley Children’s Hospital | 58E |
| Sequoia Health Centers | Q, 26, 32, 38 |
| Veterans Medical Center | 20, 32, 39 |
BALLPARKS
| Ballpark | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Chukchansi Park | 28 |
CLOVIS DESTINATIONS
Clovis Transit – Routes 10, 50, 70 * Fresno Area Express – Routes 3, 9, 28, 45
SCHOOLS
| School | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Clovis Unified District Office | 10 |
ELEMENTARY
| School | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Cedarwood | 50 |
| Clovis | 50 |
| Garfield | 10 |
| Gettysburg | 50 |
| Jefferson | 50, 70 |
| Mickey Cox | 50 |
| Miramonte | 50 |
| Sierra Vista | 50 |
| Tarpey | 50 |
| Weldon | 10 |
JUNIOR HIGH/HIGH SCHOOLS
| School | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Alta Sierra Junior High | 10 |
| Buchanan High School | 10 |
| Clark Junior High | 10, 50 |
| CART | 50 |
| Clovis East High School | 70 |
| Clovis High School | 50 |
| Gateway High School | 10, 50 |
| Reyburn Intermediate | 70 |
ADULT SCHOOLS/COLLEGES
| School | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Clovis Adult Education | 10 |
| Clovis Community College, Herndon Campus | 3, 10 |
| Community College District | 10 |
| Fresno State University | 10 |
GOVERNMENT FACILITIES
| Facility | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Animal Shelter | 10 |
| Chamber of Commerce | 10, 50 |
| Clovis City Hall | 10, 50 |
| Clovis Court | 10, 50 |
| Clovis Police Department | 10, 50 |
| Clovis Library | 10, 50 |
| County Department of Social Services (DSS) | 28, 50 |
| Dept of Motor Vehicles | 50 |
| Post Office | 10 |
PARKS/RECREATION
| Location | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Bicentennial Park | 10 |
| Blackbeard’s | 45 |
| Cal Skate | 50 |
| Clovis Recreation Center | 45, 50 |
| Dry Creek Park | 10 |
| Letterman Park | 10 |
| Railroad Park | 10 |
| Rodeo Grounds | 10 |
| Treasure Ingmire Park | 10 |
THEATERS
POINTS OF INTEREST
MEDICAL CENTERS
| Location | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Clovis Community Hospital | 50 |
| Clovis Convalescent | 10 |
| Indian Health Center | 10 |
| Peachwood Medical | 10 |
SHOPPING
| Location | Route(s) |
|---|---|
| Costco | 50 |
| CVS Pharmacy, Clovis/Shaw | 9, 50 |
| CVS Pharmacy, Clovis/Herndon | 10 |
| Food 4 Less | 9, 50 |
| Home Depot | 9,10 |
| Save Mart, Bullard/Minnewawa | 10 |
| Save Mart, Fowler/Herndon | 50 |
| Save Mart, Shaw/Armstrong | 50 |
| Sierra Vista Mall | 9, 50 |
| Target, Herndon | 3, 10 |
| Target, Shaw | 9, 50 |
| VONS, Herndon/Fowler | 50 |
| Wal-Mart, Shaw | 9, 50 |
SENIOR APARTMENTS/CTRS
Safe Places
Where Youth Can Get Help Fast
ADDAMS ELEMENTARY
2117 W McKinley, (559) 457-2516
BURROUGHS ELEMENTARY
166 N Sierra Vista, (559) 255-6610
CARVER ELEMENTARY
2463 Martin Luther King Blvd, (559) 457-2620
CIRCLE K STORE
247 E Olive, (559) 268-0361
CITY OF FRESNO
Fresno Area Express, (559) 621-7433
CLOVIS BOYS CLUB
2833 Helm, (559) 292-2036
CLOVIS YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SVS
934 4th Street, (559) 324-2091
EAST SIDE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
1621 S Cedar, (559) 266-7605
EOC NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH CTR
1805 E California, (559) 264-1048
EOC SANCTUARY & YOUTH SERVICES
2336 Calaveras St, (559) 498-8543
FRESNO BARRIOS UNIDOS
4415 E Tulare St, (559) 453-9662
FUSD PARENT UNIVERSITY
2500 Stanislaus, (559) 457-6000
FUSD DISTRICT OFFICE
2309 Tulare St, (559) 457-3733
HOLY CROSS CENTER FOR WOMEN
421 F Street, (559) 237-3379
LOWELL ELEMENTARY
171 N Poplar, (559) 486-7104
MAYFAIR ELEMENTARY
3305 E Home, (559) 457-3144
NEIGHBORHOOD THRIFT STORE
353 E Olive, (559) 498-0708
SafePlace EOC Sanctuary Youth Shelter
800-820-4968
PINEDALE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
343 W Minarets, (559) 439-6053
THE POVERELLO HOUSE
412 F Street, (559) 498-6988
RONNIE’S MIDWAY MARKET
7091 N Blackstone, (559) 439-2509
UNITED WAY
4949 E Kings Canyon, (559) 244-5710
WAL-MART #1815
4080 W Shaw, (559) 550-7482
WAL-MART #2001
5125 E Kings Canyon, (559) 252-9457
WAL-MART #2958
7065 N Ingram, (559) 431-0107
WEST FRESNO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
930 Tulare St, (559) 237-0959
ZIMMERMAN BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
540 N Augusta, (559) 226-3117
City of Fresno Parks & Recreation Dept.
DICKEY PARK
50 N Calaveras, (559) 488-1212
EINSTEIN
3566 E Dakota, (559) 224-6775
EL DORADO NEIGHBORHOOD CTR
1343 E Barstow, (559) 222-2135
FINK-WHITE NEIGHBORHOOD CTR
535 S Trinity, (559) 233-7512
FRANK H. BALL NEIGHBORHOOD CTR
760 Mayor, (559) 488-1502
HOLMES NEIGHBORHOOD CTR
212 S 1st Street, (559) 488-1500
LAFAYETTE NEIGHBORHOOD CTR
1516 E Princeton, (559) 222-8574
LIONS PARK
4650 N Marks, (559) 222-8945
MARY ELLA BROWN CTR
1350 E Annadale, (559) 488-1501
MELODY NEIGHBORHOOD CTR
5935 E Shields, (559) 292-7776
MOSQUEDA CENTER
4670 E Butler, (559) 600-6191
PILIBOS SOCCER PARK
4945 E Lane, (559) 626-6600
PINEDALE COMMUNITY CTR
7170 N San Pablo, (559) 225-9300
QUIGLEY NEIGHBORHOOD CTR
808 W Dakota, (559) 224-6753
ROMAINE NEIGHBORHOOD CTR
745 N 1st Street, (559) 237-2478
SUNSET CENTER
1345 W Eden, (559) 478-5700
TED C. WILLS COMMUNITY CTR
770 N San Pablo, (559) 621-7529
Clovis Transit Stageline
Clovis Transit operates fixed-route transit service called “Stageline” and paratransit service, called “Round-up”.
Clovis Transit’s Stageline service operates Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. No service on Sunday.
Clovis Transit’s Round Up service operates Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. No Service is provided on the following observed holidays:
New Year’s Day President’s, Day Easter Memorial Day, Independence Day Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
Limited Service will be offered on the following holidays:
Martin Luther King Jr., Day Veteran’s Day, Day after Thanksgiving
Limited service consists of all routes operating from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m. on 30 minute and 60 minute headway schedules.
Please see separate holiday schedule for exact times.
Fares:
Thanks to Measure C funding, passengers ride FREE of charge!
Transfers:
Clovis Transit does not issue transfers due to free fares.
Catching the Bus:
Please remember that buses will only stop at designated stops that have a Clovis Transit Stageline bus stop sign. If you are seated, please stand, if you are physically able, to let the driver know you wish to board, or wave to the driver as the bus approaches. Due to safety reasons, drivers are instructed to only stop at designated stops.
Clovis Transit “Round Up” Service:
Clovis Transit “Round Up” is a curb-to-curb service for persons with disabilities within Clovis and trips to Fresno. As a shared ride service, you might be required to share your ride with others. Service is available to those persons who, because of the nature of their disability, are unable to use the Clovis Transit Stageline fixed route buses. Eligibility is determined after a person completes and submits a Clovis Transit ADA application to the Clovis Transit office. For more information regarding Clovis Transit Round Up or to obtain an application, please call 324-2760 (TTY 324-2896).
Accessibility:
All Clovis Transit buses have entry lifts for easy access by passengers who either use wheelchairs or mobility devices or have difficulty climbing stairs. For additional Clovis Stageline information please contact Clovis Stageline at 559-324-2770 or visit www.clovistransit.com.
Bus Riding Basics
- How to Ride the Bus – English
- Como Viajar en el Autobus – Espanol
- Kev Caij Tsheb Npav FAX – Hmong
- Ukrainian – українська
- شیوه استفاده از ملی بس – FARSI
- ਬੱਸ ਦੀ ਸਵਾਰੀ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਕਰੀਏ – Punjabi
Arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early.
Be standing at the bus stop, if physically able, and be ready to board when the bus arrives.
Have exact fare ready.
Fare boxes accept coins and dollar bills but do not make change. You may also use a fare pass, which is easier to use and saves you money. Show proper identification if using a Senior or Restricted Fare Pass each time you enter a bus.
Board the bus through the front doors.
Please keep front seats available for disabled persons and senior citizens. Please move from a front seat to allow a disabled person or senior citizen to sit there if requested by the bus driver.
As your stop approaches, pull the signal cord located along the inside windows.
This signals the driver to stop at the next bus stop. Be sure to ring in sufficient time to allow driver to stop safely.
Exit through the rear door unless you have a bike on the bike rack.
If you have a bike on the bike rack, then please inform the driver you are getting your bike off. Please allow small children to exit first.
Please be aware of the following while on the bus:
- No smoking on the bus.
- No eating or drinking on the bus.
- Service animals are allowed to accompany persons with disabilities; however, the animal must be under the control of its owner.
- All electronic devices must be used with earphones.
Bus riding FAQ’s
How do I know when there are changes to a route, bus stop, schedule, etc.?
Changes to bus routes are posted directly at affected stops along the routes. Information regarding stops which are being changed or discontinued, as well as detour information, is also posted at bus stops.
Schedule changes and other information important for the public are printed on Public Notices. These Public Notices are posted inside buses. Public Notice information can also be found on the FAX website.
I was across the street and the bus pulled away before I was able to get to the stop. Shouldn’t the driver have waited for me?
FAX stresses the importance of customers being at bus stops, ready to board the bus before it arrives. This way, the bus driver can remain on schedule, and customers will be delivered to their destinations on time.
There are several reasons why a driver may not wait for a customer before leaving a bus stop. Oftentimes, the bus driver is not aware that a person on the other side of the street wishes to board his/her bus. Additionally, there is a safety issue involved in customers running across streets to catch a bus. Once a driver pulls away from a bus stop, he/she is not permitted to pull back.
Why do I need to show proof of age/disability to a bus driver every time I board the bus when it is obvious that I am elderly or disabled?
When FAX initiated the Special Rider and Handy Ride programs on buses, a policy was established to ensure that only those individuals entitled to receive a reduced fare actually paid the reduced fare amount.
All individuals, regardless of physical appearance, may be asked to present proof of their disability/age when requesting reduced fare. This policy ensures all customers are treated equally and it is not left up to the bus driver to determine if a customer is elderly or disabled.
Why won’t a bus driver force someone to move from the reserved seating in the front of the bus when someone who is disabled needs that seat?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), bus drivers must “request” that a passenger move from the front seats designated for the disabled, but may not “force” the passenger to do so.
If you are elderly or disabled and need to sit in the front seats, and those seats are occupied, please talk to the bus driver who will then request the occupants of those seats move to other seats. Keep in mind that the individual(s) already occupying those seats may be elderly or disabled as well.
Using the Lift/Ramp
Will all sizes of wheelchairs fit on all FAX buses?
All FAX buses are accessible to persons with disabilities. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has set guidelines for the size and weight of mobility devices which can be transported on public transit vehicles. FAX cannot transport devices which exceed these guidelines because the bus lifts are not designed to hold additional weight and also because of the physical problems which could be sustained by bus drivers accommodating devices in excess of the guidelines.
ADA guidelines define a “common wheelchair” as a device no larger than 30 inches wide and 48 inches long when measured two inches above the ground. Additionally, the combined weight of the wheelchair and occupant cannot exceed 600 pounds.
Carts and Cargo Policy
FAX ESTABLISHES GUIDELINES FOR SAFE TRANSPORTATION OF CARTS, CARGO, AND PACKAGES ON BUSES THIS POLICY IS EFFECTIVE MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021
Policy
Pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Section 1216(c):
“Drivers and motor carriers shall not permit any greater quantity of freight, express, or baggage in vehicles than can be safely and conveniently carried without causing discomfort or unreasonable annoyance to passengers. In no event shall aisles, doors, steps, or emergency exits be blocked.”
Definitions
As defined in this policy, cargo includes carts, strollers, packages, and other carrying devices including but not limited to:
- Foldable shopping carts
- Collapsible utility carts
- Foldable carry-all crates
- Luggage
- Recyclables
- Pets in carriers
- Boxes
- Duffle bags
- Groceries
Cargo does not include:
- Wheelchairs, which are regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act when used as mobility aids (i.e., a person must be able to sit in their wheelchair). (Note: If a person cannot sit in their wheelchair due to cargo, the wheelchair must be properly secured, and the cargo must abide by the restrictions listed in this policy.)
Procedure
A. Passengers are limited to what they can carry in a single trip without assistance from other people. Loads that require multiple trips or multiple people (loading or management) are prohibited.
B. Drivers will be allowed to determine whether or not a passenger’s carry-on items are in compliance with the Department’s policy and will be expected to enforce it.
C. Passengers must stay with their carts, strollers, or cargo during the entire trip and hold onto their belongings firmly, so they do not become projectiles in the event of an accident or a hard stop.
D. Items will be limited in size to what passengers can reasonably carry on their laps when seated and/or stowed safely under or in front of their seats.
E. Cargo that is wet, leaking, or hazardous will not be allowed on the bus under any circumstances.
F. Baby carriages, strollers, and empty carts should be folded prior to boarding. Walkers and rollators in use should be properly folded and stored so as not to impede the free movement of passengers or the driver in the aisle, doors, step wells, or emergency exits, and must not present a potential hazard or danger to passengers. The wheel well may not be used for storage.
G. If a grocery cart with packages cannot be folded, then it must be placed on the bus so that it does not impede the free movement of passengers or the driver in the aisle, doors, step wells, or emergency exits, and it must not present a potential hazard or danger to passengers. Carts and cargo which could be hazardous if they become projectiles in the event of an accident or hard stop are not allowed.
H. Carts, strollers, or other utility devices will not be allowed if they:
- Cannot easily/quickly negotiate vehicle door entrances and turns for any reason.
- Contain loads that exceed the capacity of the carrying device.
- Include items that are wet, leaking, or considered hazardous for any reason.
Download the FAX Carts and Cargo Public Notice.
For more information, please call FAX at (559) 621-7433
Using the Bike Rack
What is the procedure for boarding my bike on the bus and being sure I get my bike off the bus when I disembark?
All FAX Buses are equipped with bike racks. The bike racks are located on the front bumper of the bus and can accommodate two to three bicycles or E-bikes at a time. No additional fare or permit is required. The racks are available to all FAX passengers on a space available basis. Bicycles and E-bikes that fold up are permitted inside the bus if they are kept out of aisle and entry/exit pathways. Bicycles and e-bikes that do not fold up, are not permitted inside the bus at any time.
Use your bicycle in combination with Fresno Area Express to make travel even more convenient! Plus, it’s a great way to get exercise, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
LOADING YOUR BIKE
Prior to catching your bus, remove any bike accessories such as tire pumps or water bottles that could become loose while the bus is in motion.
When the bus arrives, let the driver know that you will be loading your bike onto the rack.
Always load from curbside or while directly in front of the bus. Never load on the driver’s side near the flow of traffic.
Use one hand to hold your bike and the other to unfold the rack.
While gripping the rack handle, slightly push in on the rack to unlock and release it from its folded position. Then, lower the rack down.
Lift your bike into the rack placing both tires into the wheel slots (always load your bike into the rack closest to the bus).
Pull the support arm up and adjust it securely over the front tire.
UNLOADING YOUR BIKE
As you approach your destination request a stop by pulling the gray bell cord or press the rubber strip. Tell the driver that you will be unloading your bike from the rack.
Exit the front door of the bus.
Unload your bike from curbside or while directly in front of the bus. Never unload your bike from the driver’s side.
Raise the support arm off the tire and lay it down into its locked position.
Lift your bike out of the bike rack.
If there are no other bikes in the rack, lift and push the bicycle rack up to the folded and locked position.
Step back onto the curb with your bike and you’re ready to roll.
Please remember that it’s the passenger’s responsibility to safely load and unload the bicycle.
FAX is not responsible for any damages or loss of bicycles incurred while using bus bike racks.
Using the Farebox
How do I pay when I board the bus?
Cash, tokens, passes and transfers can be used on all buses. If you use cash, exact fare is recommended because the fareboxes do not make change. Instead, you will receive a change card that can be used on future rides. Change cards cannot be redeemed for cash and will not be issued for values less than 25¢. Please have your fare ready when the bus arrives. The farebox accepts $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills. If you are using a monthly pass, please have your pass out to show the driver.
Lost & Found
How do I get an item back that I left on the bus?
Please check with Lost and Found Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to see if your item has been turned in. The phone number for Lost and Found items including lost bicycles is (559) 621-RIDE (7433).
You will need to provide a detailed description of the item that was lost, when it was lost, the bus route number, direction you were traveling and time you boarded the bus.
Seating for individuals with disabilities or elderly persons
FAX designates priority seating in the front of the bus for individuals with disabilities or elderly persons. If needed or requested, a bus driver may ask persons sitting in a location designated as priority seating to move as an accommodation for people with a disabilities or elderly persons.
All FAX buses have lifts or ramps for easy access by passengers who use mobility devices, or have difficulty climbing stairs. Assistance with boarding or exiting, wheelchair securement, lifts and fare payment is available from bus drivers when necessary or upon request.
If you believe you have a disability that prevents you from using the regular FAX route bus, consider using our Handy Ride service. For additional information, please call (559) 621-RIDE (7433).