Clovis Transit Sees Record Passenger Numbers

Through the use of Measure C and state grant funds, Clovis Transit made improvements to both its Stageline fixed-route service and Roundup dial-a-ride type service for senior and disabled residents. Stageline added routes, weekend service and more buses which prompted a 25.2% increase in passenger trips for 2008. Roundup has experienced a 13.1% increase in trips. These increases are substantial and considerably above the industry average of 5-8% increase per year.

Stageline provides fixed-route bus service on pre-determined routes and schedules throughout Clovis. Stageline also connects with Fresno Area Express (FAX) at locations on Shaw and Ashlan. Under contract, FAX provides Route 28 service on Shaw every 15 minutes. Transfers are free between the transit systems and schedules are timed to coordinate between routes. Stageline also offers service to the Buchanan Education Complex and Reagan Education Complex in the morning and afternoon with connections to other Stageline and FAX routes. Regular fare is $1.00, persons with a disability are $.50 and seniors age 65 and over are free.

Roundup service is for Clovis residents who are American’s with Disabilities Act certified disabled or for seniors age 65 and over. An application and subsequent approval are required prior to riding. Once approved, passengers schedule appointments in advance. The bus or van then picks up the passenger at their residence and takes them to their destination. Since this is a shared-ride service, other passengers may be on the vehicle and other stops may be made prior to the final destination. Trips must originate in Clovis but may travel into Fresno to West Avenue and south to Kings Canyon and sections of downtown Fresno. The fare varies depending upon the destination: $1.00 to $2.50 each way. Passengers may pre-schedule their return ride or call when they are ready to go home.

Using Measure C funds, an additional bus was added to Stageline Clovis Route 50, weekend Stageline service was added, passengers age 65 and over ride free on Stageline, and Roundup service was expanded. Through a state Proposition 1B grant, 14 new transit buses have been delivered to replace some of the aging fleet and to allow for expansion. Camera systems have been outfitted in all of the teal Stageline buses and three of the Roundup buses using a homeland security grant. The camera systems are expected to improve safety and security and reduce vandalism.

Another Measure C project in the planning stage is a new county-wide fare box system. The new fare box would electronically verify bills and coin, count passengers, print transfers, and distribute and verify passes. The system would be utilized by Fresno County Rural Transit, Fresno Area Express and Clovis Transit so passengers could buy a pass in one location and use it on all the buses. Integration with Fresno State University student identification cards is also being researched.