The Fresno Area Express (FAX) in the city of Fresno is racing against the clock to secure a grant from the state of California for a feasibility study that could pave the way for a light rail system in the city.

Paul Herman, deputy director of Fresno Council of Governments, and his team hope to secure funding for a study that will be considered a crucial first step toward expanding public transportation options in Fresno.

“This is a feasibility study, but it’s the first step,” Herman said. “You don’t get to build these kinds of projects without going through these studies to understand the parameters—to get a bill, the cost, the ridership. This is a key first step in order to get to that eventual future.”

The study will also evaluate which disadvantaged communities stand to benefit most from the proposed light rail system. With 30 letters of endorsement from community leaders, including Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, the project has gained significant support.

“Fresno State’s support is for the Fresno Metropolitan Light Rail Feasibility Study, a research grant that will evaluate the potential for a zero-emission transit system in Fresno,” according to a statement on behalf of the university.

The study aims to address transportation gaps in underserved communities, align with state goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide sustainable transit options for Fresno State students, faculty, and staff, while fostering regional connectivity and economic growth.

According to the American Lung Association, Fresno, Madera and Hanford rank among the worst metropolitan areas in the country for air quality: No. 4 for high ozone days, No. 2 for 24-hour particle pollution, and No. 3 for annual particle pollution.

Herman believes a light rail system could significantly reduce the Central Valley’s infamous air pollution.

Transportation is the largest contributor to carbon emissions in the U.S., accounting for nearly 30% of total emissions, according to the EPA.

“It’s the largest emitter of carbon emissions in the transportation network,” Herman said. “There would need to be some shifts in the sector for us to be on a sustainable path as a society.”

The potential for a light rail system in Fresno gained unexpected attention on Reddit.

A conceptual map of the proposed system surfaced on the r/Fresno subreddit, drawing attention with over 500 upvotes and 123 comments to gather community input.

Some Reddit users expressed excitement, with one commenter stating, “Niiice! Let’s manifest this!” Others were less optimistic, with one user saying, “Keep dreaming.”

Gustavo Hernandez Sanchez, a Fresno State sophomore who has been riding the FAX bus since 2008, said he appreciates the bus system’s efficiency but finds delays and overcrowding frustrating.

“When the high schoolers get out, oh man—it’s a bunch of delays,” Hernandez Sanchez said. “It can be more than 15 minutes late.”

He believes a light rail system could alleviate some of the challenges he faces when commuting to campus.

“We need more room,” he said.

The excitement of a potential new form of public transportation was also felt by Elaine Eddings, a 66-year-old Fresno community member.

“Wonderful,” Eddings said. “It would be great.”

However, she expressed doubt about whether the project would be completed in her lifetime.

“Even if it happens, I’m worried I won’t be around to see it,” Eddings said.

Herman estimates that if the feasibility study is approved and becomes a real project, it could take 10-20 years and $1-2 billion to complete. Despite the long timeline and high costs, he emphasized the importance of staying focused on the bigger picture of Fresno’s transportation future.

“If you support public transit and want to see more of it, make your voice known,” Herman said. “I think right now, transit gets the level of funding it does because there’s not vocal support to make changes to improve the network.”

As FAX races to secure a grant and take vital steps to make a light rail system a reality. The project’s success will ultimately depend on community engagement, along with state and local support can be delivered–key factors that could redefine the future of transit in the Central Valley.