Are you struggling with high gas prices and worrying yourself to death because of cost? Are you just about ready to give up?
You are not alone. Many Fresno City College students are considering alternatives to driving their cars to school every day. Students are considering taxis, buses, trains and simply riding their bikes to school. No matter your transportation of choice, what counts is that you’re comfortable with it.
Despite the efficiency of other means, cars remain practically ubiquitous as the most popular method yet others are steadily rising. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2009, 86 percent of Americans used a car, van or truck to get to work. Locally, Fresno was among the highest rated carpool cities with a 15.1 percent in 2005.
Highest among the reasons for choosing alternative transportation is associated cost. The price of gas is forcing students to pursue other ways to get to campus. Today’s prices reach as high as $4.69 while the price a little over a month ago was merely $4.09.
Of the available methods, taxis and trains tend to be the least popular despite their presence in the valley. There happens to be more than 20 taxi services available in Fresno; however, the general impression that taxi fares are high as well as unfamiliar seems to deter students. The taxi isn’t as convenient as taking a car, but it proves to be one of the fastest despite the 10 minute wait time after calling the taxi company.
Additionally, one saves on the gas prices that comes with owning a car. As for the pricing of a taxi, the initial fee is $3.40 for merely stepping into the vehicle while the additional charge is about $0.40 per minute or per mile depending on the service.
“Students have taken the taxi to school, but more go to State (CSU Fresno),” said Driver No. 15, an employee of the Clovis Express, about the use of taxis by students. “It isn’t a common thing though.”
The train is less popular than the taxi or any of the other transportations at FCC due, yet again, to its unfamiliarity with the students. It is a means reserved for those who live in neighboring cities.
There are amenities that accompany the patrons of the train including coffee, food and Wi-Fi service; however, the limitations outweigh the positive aspects of it such as the occasional derailment.
The train times aren’t very frequent so the choice to buy tickets at certain times is limited. It would be more effective in larger cities. A ticket could range from about $10.00 from Hanford to Fresno round-trip and $40.00 from Bakersfield to Fresno round-trip
The car stands to be the most common method for students. This fact is evident by the amount parked in the lots as well as the amount of complaints that circulate through the campus. Rising gas prices are a major deterrent for those that aren’t independently wealthy. Bob Boatright, a new student at FCC pays about seventy dollars a week for gas on his Toyota SUV. He remains satisfied with using his car though.
“You don’t have to wait since everything will be on your own time,” Boatright said.
Certainly the fastest mode of transportation with freedom as a main perk, it is also the most costly. Fresno Area Express (FAX) is available to the students that cater to both the urban and suburban population and it is the largest mass public transportation provider in the valley. With sixteen routes in Fresno and three in Clovis, FAX strives to maintain availability to locals from most areas of town.
Five of those routes travel within the vicinity of FCC thus making it a popular mode for some who attend. Of the many benefits to taking the bus, the cheap cost is the most prominent. Contrary to the high gas prices, the cost for a monthly metro pass currently remains at $48.00 while a daily fare to board is at $1.25.
Coins and cash are the accepted forms for payment with many students opting to utilize tokens sold by the FAX station. As with any medium, it has its fair share of drawbacks.
“It gets you around and it’s better for parking,” student Erika Melendez said of her experience with the bus. “It also gets really packed sometimes.”
Unlike in major cities, the transit doesn’t run twenty-four hours and limits itself to 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Most circulate rather quickly with certain buses arriving every 15 to 30 minutes. There are occasional delays and multiple stops which could halt any student that is running late. However, the cheap cost, lack of trouble finding parking, and the fairly reliable service makes the bus preferable for some students.
A newly established bike club indicates the increasing amount of students who ride their bikes to school. The prospect appeals to students since riding a bike is essentially free. Conversely, cycling to school hinders the user depending on the luggage and equipment their classes require.
Alternatively, the weather can be an external variable that affects the rider especially with the extreme heat and cold that is present in the area. Anyone who utilizes the bike as their main transport would understand the benefits and downsides.
“I save money and I don’t live very far from the school,” Will Cendana, a first semester college student at Fresno City, said.
Similar to a car, Will believes that riding the bike gives students more freedom and control of their time. Without the need for gas or parking permits, it would appear that bikers have to only worry about repair cost.
Cendana said, “I only need my bike repaired every few months.”
