Whether you’re traveling within Fresno or getting away, two transportation grants will enhance your experience.

A $52.1 million state grant to the city of Fresno’s transit department will help move the needle on a new bus route, a clean-energy fueling station, new bus stops, and access to the airport. Meanwhile, a $6 federal million grant will help fund the new terminal concourse, improving passenger processing and screening.

The grant from the California State Transportation Agency is the largest Fresno’s Transportation Department has ever received from the state. Combined with previous grants, the money will finish funding for Fresno Area Express’ $115 million efficiency and accessibility improvement effort.

“These funds will be instrumental in helping our transportation department meet and exceed the expectations of our community,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “The residents of Fresno rely on FAX to get them to work, doctor appointments, school, and everywhere they need to go.”

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New Bus Route and Hydrogen Fueling Station

The city will use $21.5 million to create the city’s 19th bus route, running from southeast Fresno to southwest along the Church Avenue corridor, said Sontaya Rose, director of communications for the city.

The first buses will begin along the route in August 2025. Service will take riders from Edison High School to Sanger West High School, Rose said. The city is working out the other stops.

New stops will feature solar lighting and digital message signs displaying arrival information.

Money will also go to building a fueling station for the hydrogen buses rolling into the city over the next seven years.

In the next two to three weeks, the first two hydrogen buses will appear on Fresno streets. Right now, drivers are undertaking safety training for operating the buses, Rose said.

To fuel those buses, $23.2 million will go toward a hydrogen fueling facility. In May, the city council approved a contract to use a Kerman facility to fuel its hydrogen fleet until the city’s facility is completed. The city in 2023 received $24.5 million to buy 22 hydrogen buses.

Grant money will also support accessibility improvement for existing bus stops. Another $450,000 will go to study community needs for on-demand transportation to Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

“I’m thrilled to see these transit and public works capital projects supporting our 19th bus route, improving bus stops city-wide, and planning for new on-demand service to the airport — all while preparing us for our zero-emission fleet that will utilize hydrogen,” said transportation director Gregory Barfield.

Airport Grant to Help Complete New Terminal in Early 2025

Congress designated Fresno to receive the $6 million grant from a $970 million pot supporting airports throughout the country. The funds will move the city closer to completing the $150 million terminal expansion called FAT Forward.

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are expanding Fresno-Yosemite International Airport — one of the fastest-growing in the nation. These funds will create much-needed upgrades and better support economic growth across the San Joaquin Valley. This goes beyond infrastructure; it’s a commitment to ensuring our region thrives,” said Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno).

Last week, workers completed the building’s steel structure and by November, the roof will be installed and the exterior enclosed. Airport staff expect to finish construction by January 2025.

“We are grateful for the federal grant support from our region’s Congressional representatives to fund this significant and historic terminal expansion project,” said Director of Aviation Henry Thompson. “These grants help to strengthen our important position as an international air gateway for California’s Central Valley with the capacity to meet our region’s current and growing air service demand.”