Fresno's Bus Rapid Transit System is Chugg'n Along

In a May 2nd posting commending the wonderful service I receive from my favorite City of Fresno FAX bus driver, Pete, I made the following comment:

And speaking of FAX, I would like to know what the City is doing with the $8 billion dollars that is being showered on communities for improved transportation from the federal Stimulus Fund. In particular, what is the City doing to upgrade the present slo-mo bus system to the more advanced Bus Transportation System (BTS) that was promised by City management when I served on the Council? The BTS system would provide larger and more comfortable buses and, most importantly, faster and more convenient service. There should be no reason why taxpayer-supported Measure C dollars and federal Stimulus dollars can't move (bad pun) our FAX system into the 21st Century.

Well, dear reader, I am pleased to report that the City of Fresno is making progress on the Bus Rapid Transit System. Some funding has been received by the City to move forward on planning improvements for two heavily traveled routes--north/south Blackstone route and the equally heavily traveled east/west Kings Canyon route.

As noted in my May blog, the BTS system will include larger and more passenger-friendly buses that will travel faster and, therefore, be much more convenient. There should be no reason for them not to attract a larger slice of Fresno's commuting public.

I am, however, concerned about the glacial pace of the BTS implementation schedule. This is the time for FAX to take advantage of federal stimulus dollars to move the process forward faster. While I have used FAX for years to get to and from my work, I don't plan to work forever. Well before I retire, I want to ride my #30 (with Pete as my favorite FAX chauffeur) up and down Fresno's Blackstone as part of the initial BTS system.

Coming Soon. . .

1. Fresno County's pension system is a disaster.
2. The serious implications of being a high school drop out.
3. Medical marijuana?

Comments are welcome. Click on "Comments" below or e-mail me at abriancalhoun@gmail.com.