Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

US Electric Vehicle Tax Breaks Will Expire on Sept. 30

17 hours ago

‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Kill Bill’ Actor Michael Madsen Dies at 67

18 hours ago

Eyeing Arctic Dominance, Trump Bill Earmarks $8.6 Billion for US Coast Guard Icebreakers

18 hours ago

Trump’s Sweeping Tax-Cut and Spending Bill Wins Congressional Approval

19 hours ago

Americans Celebrate Their Independence With Record-Breaking Travel Numbers

22 hours ago

US Supreme Court to Decide Legality of Transgender School Sports Bans

23 hours ago

Nvidia Set to Become the World’s Most Valuable Company in History

23 hours ago

Poll: 41% in US ‘Extremely Proud’ to Be American, Near Historic Low

23 hours ago
As Free Fares Wind Down, What's Next for FAX Riders?
David Taub Website photo 2024
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 4 years ago on
June 16, 2021

Share

Buses in Fresno have been free to riders since a pandemic-inspired policy change in March. But, with COVID emergencies orders starting to wind down, so will free ridership.

Photo of GV Wire's David Taub

David Taub

Politics 101

Fare-free FAX rides are set to expire when the city lifts its emergency order. While no exact date has been set, the city council is already planning ahead.

Councilman Tyler Maxwell — the proponent of the free fares — says there is enough money, thanks to federal funds, for the program to last through September.

“In the meantime, the City Council and Administration are working on a proposed permanent reduction of bus fares from $1.25 to $1.00, as well as provide ongoing Zero Fare service for all children under 12, all Fresno Unified students, local college students, and veterans, contingent on support from said agencies. Zero Fare ensures equitable transportation options for the Fresno community for years to come,” Maxwell texted Politics 101.

Maxwell is also optimistic of funding from Fresno State, Fresno City College, and Fresno Unified.


Also in Politics 101: 

  • Fresno City Council has until July 11 to override veto
  • State of the City returns June 25

Flag Veto Clock Ticking

The clock is ticking for the Fresno City Council to override Mayor Jerry Dyer’s first veto. Last Friday, Dyer officially rejected a change to the city flag-flying policy as approved by the city council on May 27. The city council has until July 11 and would need five votes.

The city council voted 5-2 to take over setting policy on what flags can fly on city poles. Councilman Mike Karbassi was one of the five. He said that he hasn’t decided how he would vote on a potential override.

“I’m looking forward to the debate and a solution,” Karbassi said.

Flag poles have been installed at Eaton Plaza (GV Wire/David Taub)

With Dyer’s veto, the power of deciding which flags fly at City Hall reverted back to the city manager.

Dyer’s veto came after the pomp and circumstance of the first Gay Pride flag raising at City Hall. The festive event drew hundreds, including a supportive Dyer. The mayor initially proposed raising the Pride flag at Eaton Plaza instead.

“I know the City Council and I can work together to develop a better way to celebrate the diversity of Fresno,” Dyer said in his veto message.

Dyer suggested using both City Hall and the recently-constructed flag area at Eaton Plaza. The mayor also suggested events to celebrate such as Greek, Indian and Mexican independence, Juneteenth, and (Gay) Pride.

State of the City Next Week

The mayor’s State of the City address returns to a live format with a light breakfast next week.

Organized by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Jerry Dyer will deliver his speech at Chukchansi Park. The Friday, June 25 event starts at 8:30 a.m.

Dyer will speak from a stage set up on the field, approximately from the pitcher mound. Seating will be in the stands. The chamber expects around 1,500 to attend.

Prior to the pandemic, audiences heard the State of the City speech at a luncheon, usually at the convention center.

Instead of the traditional format with dining tables, patrons can pick up pastries and coffee at the concession stands.

The event will also feature local entertainment acts.

Tickets are $20 for chamber members and $30 for nonmembers. You can purchase tickets at this link.

COVID forced a cancellation of the in-person 2020 event, but KSEE-24 aired Mayor Lee Brand’s speech in a TV-only special.

Chamber CEO/President Scott Miller says Dyer’s address will air on KSEE at a soon-to-be-announced time.

 

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Fresno Crash Involving Unlicensed Teen Driver Sends Woman to Hospital

DON'T MISS

Madre Fire Burns More Than 52,000 Acres in San Luis Obispo County

DON'T MISS

RIP John Harris: Fresno County Rancher, Racehorse Breeder Was a Visionary Leader Who Leaves a ‘Profound Legacy’

DON'T MISS

Valadao, Costa Spar on What Passage of Trump’s Bill Means for Medicaid Recipients

DON'T MISS

US Military Says 200 Marines Being Sent to Support ICE in Florida

DON'T MISS

Boeing Secures $2.8 Billion US Satellite Contract

DON'T MISS

Kaweah Health Names Its New Chief Nurse. She’s From Texas

DON'T MISS

Clovis Police Say At-Risk Missing Woman Found Dead in Mariposa County

DON'T MISS

Over 100 Former Senior Officials Warn Against Planned Staff Cuts at US State Department

DON'T MISS

US Electric Vehicle Tax Breaks Will Expire on Sept. 30

UP NEXT

RIP John Harris: Fresno County Rancher, Racehorse Breeder Was a Visionary Leader Who Leaves a ‘Profound Legacy’

UP NEXT

Valadao, Costa Spar on What Passage of Trump’s Bill Means for Medicaid Recipients

UP NEXT

Kaweah Health Names Its New Chief Nurse. She’s From Texas

UP NEXT

Clovis Police Say At-Risk Missing Woman Found Dead in Mariposa County

UP NEXT

Fresno Police Recover Some of the $40,000 in Fireworks Stolen From Bullard High Team

UP NEXT

Riverdale High School Coach Arrested for Allegedly Arranging to Meet Minor

UP NEXT

Could Cuddly Colby Be the Darling Gem for You?

UP NEXT

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Sandra Neredia Jaquez

UP NEXT

Trump Impounds Billions in Education Funding. For Fresno Unified, It’s $7.1 Million

UP NEXT

Americans Celebrate Their Independence With Record-Breaking Travel Numbers

David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

Madre Fire Burns More Than 52,000 Acres in San Luis Obispo County

14 hours ago

RIP John Harris: Fresno County Rancher, Racehorse Breeder Was a Visionary Leader Who Leaves a ‘Profound Legacy’

15 hours ago

Valadao, Costa Spar on What Passage of Trump’s Bill Means for Medicaid Recipients

15 hours ago

US Military Says 200 Marines Being Sent to Support ICE in Florida

16 hours ago

Boeing Secures $2.8 Billion US Satellite Contract

16 hours ago

Kaweah Health Names Its New Chief Nurse. She’s From Texas

16 hours ago

Clovis Police Say At-Risk Missing Woman Found Dead in Mariposa County

16 hours ago

Over 100 Former Senior Officials Warn Against Planned Staff Cuts at US State Department

17 hours ago

US Electric Vehicle Tax Breaks Will Expire on Sept. 30

17 hours ago

‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Kill Bill’ Actor Michael Madsen Dies at 67

18 hours ago

Fresno Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint on Fourth of July, Boost Holiday Patrols

The Fresno Police Department will step up enforcement efforts this Fourth of July, deploying additional patrols and setting up a DUI checkpo...

26 minutes ago

26 minutes ago

Fresno Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint on Fourth of July, Boost Holiday Patrols

1 hour ago

July 4th Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of the Founding Fathers

A crash causes a traffic jam in northwest Fresno on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (GV Wire/Paul Marshall)
14 hours ago

Fresno Crash Involving Unlicensed Teen Driver Sends Woman to Hospital

The Madre Fire near New Cuyama has burned 52,593 acres with 5% containment, prompting evacuation orders in several San Luis Obispo County zones as of Thursday, July 3, 2025, afternoon. (CalFire)
14 hours ago

Madre Fire Burns More Than 52,000 Acres in San Luis Obispo County

15 hours ago

RIP John Harris: Fresno County Rancher, Racehorse Breeder Was a Visionary Leader Who Leaves a ‘Profound Legacy’

15 hours ago

Valadao, Costa Spar on What Passage of Trump’s Bill Means for Medicaid Recipients

An ICE agent talks with migrants about their scheduled appointments with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Father’s Day, to learn about their immigration status, in Chicago, Illinois., U.S., June 15, 2025. (Reuters File)
16 hours ago

US Military Says 200 Marines Being Sent to Support ICE in Florida

Boeing logo and miniature satellite model are seen in this illustration taken, March 10, 2025. (Reuters File)
16 hours ago

Boeing Secures $2.8 Billion US Satellite Contract

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend