What's at stake?
Historically, California has had some of the worst air quality in the country, and according to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, southwest Fresno has the highest air pollution in California.
In an effort to combat pollution while beefing up transportation options in southwest Fresno, the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Transform Fresno to bring dozens of electric vehicles and bicycles to the city.
Southwest Fresno residents can rent environmentally-friendly cars and bikes through the new Clean Share Mobility Network, which includes 200 pedal-assist bikes, 40 Chevrolet Bolt electrified vehicles, and three ride-share vans.
“Right now, our main focus areas are downtown and southwest Fresno,” said Mobility Hub Director Eric Spikes. “Car ownership is less than 40% in some parts, so we want to reconnect southwest Fresno to the rest of the city.”
In the future, the Chamber plans to expand the program throughout the city and include Tesla vehicles.
“We want to be as transparent and supportive as possible,” said Spikes. “We want people to use our cars for whatever they need, whether that be for quick grocery store and doctor visits or for longer road trips.”
The Clean Share Mobility program is funded by a California Climate Investments grant of $73 million, in which the Chamber received $7.7 million.
It includes 200 pedal-assist bikes, 40 Chevrolet Bolt electrified vehicles, and three ride-share vans.
The cars seat five, and their base cost is $4 per hour for up to 8 hours or $35 for 24 hours.
For bikes, prices vary depending on membership tier, and users are charged by the minute.
The cars can be charged at any electric vehicle charging port and can last up to 259 miles on a single charge, while the bikes run on batteries that can be easily swapped.
The vehicles are all electric to create an eco-friendly and sustainable transportation program for the city.
Historically, California has had some of the worst air quality in the country, and according to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, southwest Fresno has the highest air pollution in California.
While other efforts, such as the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, have worked to increase the use of electric vehicles in the state, only 0.8% of Fresno County drives an EV, per The Fresno Bee.
The Chamber aims to combat inequalities in mobility and allow for broader, cleaner access to transportation.
“We want to build a sense of community,” continued Spikes. “We want them to know that this is for them to take advantage of.”
How to Rent a Car through the Clean Share Mobility Network
The Chamber has been developing the Clean Share Mobility program since 2022, establishing six outreach hubs that you can visit to rent a car or scooter.
Five hubs are located at Fresno Housing Authority locations in southwest Fresno, and one is located at the Chamber, with more in the works.
FMBCC – 1600 Fulton St. – 559-441-7929 – info@fmbcc.com
Legacy Commons – 2255 S Plumas St. – 559-290-7989 – info@fresnohousing.org
Fairview Heights Terrace – 2195 S Maud Ave – 559-443-8400 info@fresnohousing.org
Sierra Terrace – 501 E California Ave – 559-443-8400 info@fresnohousing.org
Yosemite Village – 709 W California Ave – 559-443-8400 info@fresnohousing.org
Sequoia Courts Terrace – 549 S Thorne Ave – 559-443-8400 info@fresnohousing.org
With each rental, users will be walked through the program, its sign-up process, and how to use and charge an EV car.
The cars can be taken anywhere in California, but they must be returned to the hubs they were rented from, and users can also open, start, and stop the rental cars through the Biz-Bikes app.
The cars can be charged at any electric vehicle charging port and can last up to 259 miles on a single charge.