Getting around the Fresno State area will be easier with the new implementation of ­transportation programs.

Some of these innovations include the Bulldog FAX Program, Zimride, and Enterprise CarShare.

“One of the things that’s our goal — both as a campus and our work we do in coordinating with other local transit agencies — ­is trying to reduce the number of single-vehicle trips to campus,” said Thomas W. Gaffery, facilities management and traffic operations manager. “Both from an air pollution standpoint and from a parking inventory standpoint.”

The Bulldog FAX program will allow all students, faculty and staff free access to the Fresno Area Express and Clovis Transit buses with a simple swipe of their Bulldog Cards.

The routes of transportation will vary with multiple destinations throughout the Fresno and Clovis area, said Gaffery. Some of the destinations include: Clovis, the Manchester Transit Center, the Tower District and Downtown Fresno.

“There are a lot of areas that are covered in the city that can get you on the bus to and from campus,” said Gaffery.

“I think that given that there’s no charge, that it’s free for our users and they have the opportunity to be able to ride the bus and read a book or do their homework,” said Gaffery. “That could be advantageous as opposed to driving, and you don’t have to buy a parking permit.”

Another new program is Zimride, a product from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, that allows students to meet other students in their area so that they can carpool together.

Students who post on Zimride will be asked if they will be offering a ride or looking for a ride, and how much they want or are willing to contribute for gas.
“What it allows students and employees to do is log in with their campus credentials and link their Facebook account if they want so that they can connect with other students to find carpools, whether that’s to campus on a regular basis or on a trip home for the weekend,” said Gaffery.