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The Comprehensive Study of Impacts of “Q” Bus Rapid Transit System on Blackstone Avenue
As an important economic hub and the fifth largest city in California, Fresno faces many challenges that one would not expect to encounter in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. One of such challenge lies on Blackstone Avenue, an over eight-mile-long commercial corridor that connected the downtown core to the expanding suburbs. It has been known for crime, poverty, and vacant buildings that together speak of failed land use policy and lack of development ingenuity.
In a transformative move, in 2015, Fresno Area Express (FAX) embarked on a constructive journey by initiating the construction of a 15.7-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line known as the Q Line. The Q Line connects North Fresno, downtown Fresno, and Fresno's southeast growth area via Blackstone Avenue and Kings Canyon Road. The BRT service replaced existing local bus service in the corridor and offered decreased travel times through fewer stops and more frequent service. The project included transit signal priority, queue jump lanes, 27 stations, 17 low-floor compressed natural gas low-emission BRT vehicles, boarding platforms, fare machines, real time passenger information, and special branding to create a unique identity for the service. The Q Line began service in February 2018 and has since ridership surpassed 2.5 million passengers.
Principal Investigator:
Yertai Tanai
PI Contact Information:
CSU Fresno
Dates:
January 2024 to December 2024
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
- Economic analysis
- Potentially research paper
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:
This study encompasses a comprehensive set of objectives aimed at gaining a thorough understanding of the Q Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and its broader impact. Firstly, our primary goal is to conduct an in-depth examination of the ridership patterns of the Q Line BRT since its inception, analyzing factors such as time of day, day of the week, and seasonality. Additionally, we seek to evaluate the Q Line's influence on overall public transit ridership in Fresno. Secondly, we aspire to assess the economic impact of the Q Line BRT on both local businesses and the surrounding community, focusing particularly on the corridor of the Q Line. This analysis will involve scrutinizing changes in property values, business revenues, and job creation along the Q Line corridor. Thirdly, our study aims to evaluate the accessibility of the Q Line BRT, with a specific focus on ensuring inclusivity for individuals with disabilities and seniors. We will identify areas for improvement to enhance accessibility throughout the entire line. Lastly, we intend to explore future opportunities for the expansion of the Q Line and its potential integration with other transit modes, such as the high-speed train service currently under construction. This forward-looking perspective aligns with the overall goals and objectives set forth by the FSTI Research grant.
In conclusion, the multifaceted nature of this study aligns well with the outlined objectives, making it a pertinent and comprehensive exploration of the Q Line BRT and its impact on the Fresno community.
Project Number:
2450
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Contact Us
SJSU Research Foundation 210 N. 4th Street, 4th Floor, San Jose, CA 95112 Phone: 408-924-7560 Email: mineta-institute@sjsu.edu
