March 12, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: John Downs Fresno Council of Governments City of Fresno (559) 621-1502 john.downs@fresno.gov

Public meetings set to gather input on transit plans

FRESNO – Fresno Area Express (FAX) and the City of Fresno are planning to apply for a federal grant of up to $40 million to improve transit along two key corridors, and public input on the plan is needed. Three meetings, all covering the same information, will be held to gather that public input:

• Wednesday, April 1, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Caltrans Yosemite Meeting Room (Room 145), Manchester Mall, 2015 E. Shields Ave. at Blackstone

• Thursday, April 2, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside Fresno City Hall, 2600 Fresno St. at P Street, and from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. inside City Hall in Room 2125

• Wednesday, April 8, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sunnyside High School Cafeteria, 1019 S. Peach Ave., Fresno.

The Federal Transit Administration (Very Small Start) grant would help fund improvements that decrease bus travel times, increase frequency of service and add passenger amenities at key stops. The corridors are East Ventura Avenue/East Kings Canyon Road and North Blackstone Avenue. In addition, street modifications are being considered, such as dedication of traffic or parking lanes to transit on Ventura/Kings Canyon and redesign of major intersections on Ventura/Kings Canyon and Blackstone. At each meeting, FAX staff will be available to answer questions and then will make a brief presentation, followed by an open comment period for the public. Comments can be made in writing during the meeting, or by calling FAX at 621-RIDE. Translators and refreshments will be available. Any person with a disability requiring an accommodation should contact The Lockwood Agency at 733-3737 at least two working days in advance of the meeting so that accommodations can be arranged. For more information on these meetings, visit Fresno.gov/FAX or Fresnocog.org