REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, M.A., Director Department of Transportation BY: DREW WILSON, Planning Manager Department of Transportation JEFF LONG, Senior Regional Planner Department of Transportation SUBJECT ..Title Approve the Department of Transportation / Fresno Area Express (FAX) federally mandated Title VI Service Equity Analysis for proposed service changes, with conclusions of no disparate impacts on minority populations or disproportionate burdens on low-income populations. ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends Council approve the federally mandated Title VI Service Equity Analysis, which evaluates and concludes that the proposed service changes will not result in disparate impacts on minority populations or disproportionate burdens on low-income populations. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Based upon a Service Equity Analysis mandated by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a comprehensive public outreach process conducted in May 2025, it was determined that proposed service change of adding the new Route 29 (Church Avenue), the increased frequencies on the late night service, and the late night extension of Route 38 do not result in disparate impacts on minority populations or disproportionate burdens on low-income populations, and no mitigation measures are required. BACKGROUND Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1B establishes Title VI requirements and guidelines for FTA recipients to ensure the level and quality of public transportation service is provided in a nondiscriminatory manner; promote full and fair participation in public transportation decision-making without regard to race, color, or national origin; and ensure meaningful access to transit-related programs and activities by persons with limited English proficiency. As mandated by the FTA under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, evaluation of major service changes as defined in FAX's 2022 Title VI Program, which was accepted by Council on October 13, 2022, requires a Title VI Service Equity Analysis. The purpose of the equity analysis is to examine whether any major service changes would result in disparate impacts on minority populations or disproportionate burdens on low-income populations, and if so, methods to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential impacts or burdens. The analysis is included in Attachment 1 and its appendices. After a comprehensive public outreach process which included five "Pop Up" events held at heavily used bus stops throughout the City, two Open House public workshops, and two virtual workshop, the Department received overwhelming support for the proposed service changes. The proposed service changes consist of a new Route 29, with cross-town service along Church Avenue; and late night frequency enhancements to Routes 1, 9, 28, 32, and 38. Route 38 late night service will also be extended from its current termini at Shaw Avenue to River Park Shopping Center. As explained in Attachment 1, the Title VI Service Equity Analysis concludes that only the introduction of Route 29 is classified as a major service change, but when examined in context, the change does not cause a disparate impact or disproportionate burden and no mitigation measures are necessary. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS Pursuant to section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, approval of these service changes is not a project for the purposes of CEQA. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not applied as the program adoption is not an award of a contract. FISCAL IMPACT The preparation of this report was financed in part through the FTA and local funds from the Fresno Council of Governments. Implementation of the service changes will have no impact on the general fund. Attachment: Title VI Service Equity Analysis