SR 06-25-2019 8A
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: June 25, 2019
Agenda Item: 8.A
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Edward King, Director, Big Blue Bus, Transit Planning & Performance
Subject: Big Blue Bus Mobility on Demand Every Day (MODE) Program Updates
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council approve proposed cha nges to the Mobility On
Demand Every Day (MODE) program, which includes the implementation of a two -
tiered fare restructuring phased over a three-year period, introduction of a low-income
fare, a lower cap on monthly trips per member, an increase in the enrollment age for
seniors, and a temporary 90-day freeze on enrollment.
Summary
Santa Monica has long provided subsidized point-to-point transportation services to
senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Two years ago, Council approved a major
change in approach that dramatically enhanced the availability and convenience of the
service, particularly for those not requiring specialized mobility options to accommodate
disabilities. Renaming the service Mobility On-Demand Every Day (MODE), staff
anticipated a growth in overall rider demand to be accommodated through lower per trip
costs. Compared to the former Dial-A-Ride (DAR) program, the popularity of the new
program, which has been in operation nearly a year, has increased dramatically. The
number of trips via MODE has soared 175% over previous DAR ridership, causing the
program to exceed budget. Staff is recommending changes to the fare structure,
eligibility and program rules to ensure MODE will be fiscally and operationally
sustainable. After extensive discussion with users and a stakeholder group with City
Commission representatives, the proposed changes are designed to control costs while
offering continued broad and affordable access to the service and its benefits for
seniors and people with disabilities. Without changes, MODE is expected to exceed its
budget in FY2019-20, threatening the sustainability of the program.
Background
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The City of Santa Monica has provided dial-a-ride (DAR) service for its seniors and
persons with disabilities since 1983. To be eligible for DAR service, a member must be
a resident and either 60 years of age or older, or between the ages of 18 and 59 with a
disability. Those membership requirements have remained unchanged since the service
was launched in 1983. Council last approved a fare change to DAR on February 25,
1997, when the donation-based contribution became a 50-cent fare (the current fare).
Big Blue Bus (BBB), in partnership with the City’s Community and Cultural Services
(CCS) department, provides overall management of MODE (formerly Dial-A-Ride),
including quality control, auditing, communication services, a call center, and contractor
oversight. Membership registration is contracted separately to Wise & Healthy Aging.
The current budget for MODE is fixed at $600,000 annually, and the program is funded
by Proposition A Local Return Transportation funds.
Encouraged by changes in the transportation marketplace, staff developed a request for
proposals (RFP) and engaged in a competitive procurement process in 2017 for a new
service model for DAR. The RFP sought the services of an on-demand transportation
vendor that could provide enhanced DAR services such as removing the requirement
for advanced reservations, offering alternative reservation and payment options, and
boosting service availability by increasing vehicle resources provided by a vendor’s
network or fleet of vehicles and drivers.
At its November 28, 2017 meeting, the Council approved award of the contract to Lyft,
Inc. to provide on-demand transportation for the DAR program. Coinciding with the new
service model, City staff rebranded the DAR program Mobility On -Demand Every Day
(MODE). MODE’s operating structure has two components: 1) the ambulatory trip
component is provided by Lyft, Inc.; and 2) the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV)
component is operated by MV Transportation. The WAV component serves members
who use mobility devices (i.e. wheelchairs), have severe disabilities, and/or who
participate in the City’s door-through-door program.
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To reduce the stress on members acclimating to the new service model, staff did not
propose any significant modifications to the program such as service days, service
hours, fares, trip caps, or enrollment age. While staff saw the value in updating fares
and other aspects of the program at the time of MODE implementation, additional
changes would have introduced unnecessary complexity and could have potentially
alienated long-time program members.
In July 2018, the new MODE service launched, and ridership immediately increased
from the former DAR levels. By September 2018, monthly ridership had surpassed
4,000 trips, doubling the monthly average of the former DAR system. Current trends
indicate that MODE trip counts will continue to rise due to the increasing number of
members.
Existing and potential members were asked to enroll in the new program regardless of
their former DAR status. Enrollment in the new MODE program has been robust; by
launch date (July 1, 2018), 800 eligible residents had enrolled in MODE. Enrollment has
continued unabated adding 80 to 100 new members each month.
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Exceeding Budget Projections
By September 2018, with increasing enthusiasm for the program and continuing
enrollment, it became apparent that program adjustments and/or a budget increase
would be needed in order to remain within budget. BBB took immediate action to control
costs by implementing several initiatives which include:
• Installing an additional seat in the WAV to increase capacity
• Implementing 100% shared rides to lower the cost per ride
• Travel training members to learn the skills and gain the confidence to take
advantage of the lower cost Lyft service
• Hosting hands-on MODE Workshops for members to learn how to use the Lyft
app
• Partnering with the Santa Monica Public Library to provide ongoing Lyft app
education via “Appy Hours”
• Capping monthly trips at 40 to control costs associated with a few high-frequency
users
• Working with Community and Cultural Services to identify members eligible for
Lifeline smartphones (provided by the California Public Utilities Commission) for
low income residents to facilitate a transition from call center reservations to
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using the Lyft app (rides booked through the call center are more costly than
those booked via the app since they require call center staff and resources).
Additionally, BBB requested a budget amendment in October 2018 for more program
funding to meet the swelling demand. Although during November and December 2018,
cost control initiatives temporarily reduced demand for rides, in January 2019, with no
additional funding approved and ridership continuing to rise, it was clear that more
changes would be needed.
To project the size of the budget challenge, staff reviewed current enrollment data to
estimate future demand. Senior residents currently make up more than 95% of MODE
membership. According to 2017 Census data1, 18,699 Santa Monica residents are 65
years of age or older. By March 2019, there were 1,684 registered MODE members,
indicating that only nine percent (9%) of eligible senior residents have enrolled in
MODE. It is projected that enrollment will stabilize at approximately 35% of senior
residents (6,500 residents).
Progress on Efficiencies and Financial Data
The former DAR program operated with six vehicles providing 24,000 annual trips.
DAR’s average cost per trip was $22.45 in FY2017-18.
The new MODE service model effectively removes an upper limit to ridership capacity
due to the size and availability of the Lyft fleet. For that reason, the annual bud get is
now the constraint determining how many trips can be provided. The new MODE
service model substantially reduced the cost per trip to $12.06. MODE’s annual budget
has the capacity to provide approximately 50,000 trips (double the number of trips
provided by DAR). However, the program’s sweeping popularity has overwhelmed that
threshold. The following table delineates DAR/MODE program costs over the past three
fiscal years and projects program operating costs over the next three years.
1 https://censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US0670000-santa-monica-ca/
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MODE Ridership and Budget Projections with No Program Changes
DAR Program Cost Annual Trips
FY2015-16 $454,662 24,322
FY2016-17 $464,556 22,928
FY2017-18 $480,140 21,384
MODE Projected Program Cost Projected Annual Trips
FY2018-19 $695,306* 57,664
FY2019-20 $981,771* 99,317
FY2020-21 $1,358,845* 134,714
*Annual program budget $600,000
Stakeholder Group Process
In October 2018, staff convened a stakeholder group to review the MODE program
success to date and develop long term goals to sustain the success of the program.
The MODE Stakeholder Group was comprised of one member each from the
Disabilities Commission and the Commission for the Senior Community, as well as City
staff from CCS, Planning & Community Development (Mobility), and BBB. The
stakeholder group established two goals: (1) determine who the program should serve,
and (2) determine what fundamental program changes were required to ensure fiscal
sustainability of the program while serving those who need this type of service most.
The following recommendations were outcomes from the stakeholder group work.
• Transition more MODE trips to Lyft to reduce costs
• Change all trips to shared-rides to reduce costs
• Cap the number of monthly trips members can take
• Raise fares and introduce a low-income fare for the most vulnerable
• Raise the qualifying age from 60 to 62 or 65
Staff drafted a series of proposed changes based upon the stakeholder group
recommendations, and then began a public engagement process to solicit community
feedback.
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Discussion
Public Engagement
Efforts were made by staff to contact MODE members to inform them of the proposed
changes and ways in which they could learn more and submit feedback.
Communication
Channel
Messaging
Online • MODE public hearing webpage on BBB website with summary of
proposed changes
• Link to MODE public hearing page from City’s website
MODE Call Center • Call center staff were trained to inform members of the public
hearing and to encourage feedback
Print • Bilingual flyers were distributed on board the wheelchair vans, at
Blue: The Transit Store, at Ken Edwards Center, and at City Hall
CCS Outreach • An electronic version of the bilingual flyer was forwarded by CCS
to 22 social service organizations, the Older Adults Task Force,
the Disabilities Commission, and the Commission for the Senior
Community
Email • Two e-mail notifications were sent to the 794 MODE members who
had provided an email address
Commissions • Staff presented the proposals at the regularly scheduled April
meetings of the Disabilities Commission and the Commission for
the Senior Community
Public Hearing • Information on the proposed changes was presented and
comments, questions, and suggestions were taken and recorded
Public Comments • BBB accepted feedback at meetings, online, by mail, and by
phone
Feedback Regarding Original Proposal
At the April 10, 2019 public hearing, which was attended by 62 individuals, the
consensus was that the proposed regular fares were too high. Suggestions included
lowering the trip cap per person and raising the age requirement for seniors, if doing so
meant fares could stay low.
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At the Disabilities Commission meeting, the general sentiment was agreement with staff
that the changes needed to be made because of the tremendous popularity of the
program and the limited options to manage the budget. A few commissioners raised
issues regarding the proposed fare increases, especially the proposed higher fare for
regular members. Other comments included suggestions to increase the senior
enrollment age to 65 and to address the lack of WAVs on Lyft’s platform along with
overall positive feedback about the service.
As the Disabilities Commission had done, the Commission for the Senior Community
raised the idea of seeking additional funding from the City beyond what is currently
allocated from Proposition A. The Commission felt that additional funding would allow
the program, including the low fares, to remain mostly the same.
In total, 66 individuals made comments that were submitted to BBB regarding the
proposals through the public hearing, commission meetings, online, by phone, and by
mail:
• Forty-one (41) comments opposing the fare change
• Eighteen (18) comments regarding maintaining availability of out -of-Santa
Monica trips
• Thirteen (13) comments related to the proposed monthly trip cap (most would
support a further reduction if fares could stay lower)
• Twelve (12) comments urging BBB staff to seek additional funds
• Eleven (11) comments concerning the enrollment age requirement (most would
support an increase in the enrollment age if fares could stay lower)
• Seven (7) comments requesting more information on the LIFE Program
• Two (2) comments related to the personal care attendant fares
• Sixteen (16) comments on related topics such as driver tips and wages, adding
service such as monthly outings, etc.
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A detailed summary of all comments, including a transcript from the public hearing, can
be found as an attachment to this staff report.
Recommended Changes
Based upon community and stakeholder feedback, staff proposes the following
recommendations which differ significantly from those presented during the public
engagement process, including at the public hearing held on April 10, 2019. The original
proposal is included for reference only as an attachment. The recommended fare and
program changes ensure the MODE program’s financial and operational sustainability,
while remaining sensitive to the input of its members.
1: Three-Phase Fare Change Recommendation
Rider Type Current Sep 2019 –
Dec 2020
Jan 2021 –
Dec 2021
Jan 2022 -
Ongoing
Regular $0.50 $1.50 $2.00 $2.50
Low-Income* N/A $0.75 $1.00 $1.25
Personal care attendant, friend,
or companion $0.25 Free Free Free
*Low-income status verified through enrollment in regional LIFE (Low-Income Fare is Easy) Program.
Explanation of Recommended Fare Changes
Fare Structure: The stakeholder group and staff recognized the need to increase fares
that have been in place since 1997, as the current passenger fare on MODE covers
less than five percent (5%) of the operating costs. The program should encourage
shared rides and the use of bus an
d rail through price incentives. The MODE fare is currently the same price as the BBB
single-ride fare for seniors, providing no incentive for MODE members to use transit
instead of MODE where transit is an option.
There was agreement in the stakeholder group that any changes to the program should
protect access to mobility for the City’s low-income seniors and persons with disabilities.
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In addition to the regular fare, the proposed fare structure now introduces a low-income
fare for qualified residents. Both regular and low-income fares are higher than senior
transit fares to encourage use of bus and rail transit for those who can do so.
To qualify for low-income fares under the recommended proposal, a member would
have to demonstrate enrollment in the Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program. LIFE
is a countywide program administered by Metro that provides low-income individuals
living in Los Angeles County transit subsidies. Under LIFE, seniors can receive a
monthly $8 discount on transit passes on 12 local transit systems including Metro and
BBB. Starting in July 2019, LIFE-enrolled individuals will have the option of either taking
the transit pass discount or 20 free bus and/or rail trips monthly using a TAP card. LIFE
currently uses the following income limits to determine eligibility:
Household Size Annual Income
1 $36,550 or less
2 $41,800 or less
3 $47,000 or less
4 $52,200 or less
Staff recommends utilizing LIFE enrollment to qualify for low-income MODE fares as
LIFE’s income verification process already exists, eliminating the necessity for staff to
administer a timely and costly process. Based on self-reported incomes, 73% of
registered MODE members will qualify for LIFE.
The transit benefits that LIFE offers will increase transit attractiveness for residents
enrolled in the program by providing subsidies at no cost to BBB or the City, leveraging
a county program that is currently underutilized in Santa Monica to advance community
goals. W ith these added benefits, MODE members have a financial incentive to use
public transit for some trips, thereby reducing demand for MODE and stretching the
budget further.
For additional context regarding fares, staff also reviewed the fare structures of other
local dial-a-ride programs in Los Angeles County, which are included as an attachment.
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Personal Care Attendant/Companion Fares: A single personal care attendant (PCA),
friend, or companion would ride for free with one MODE member under the staff
recommendation. Currently, members pay an additional $0.25 to bring a PCA, friend, or
companion. Staff is recommending this change to incentivize members to share rides,
which has the benefit of lowering congestion while increasing opportunities for members
to socialize and connect with others.
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2. Program Change Recommendations
Current Sep 2019 - Ongoing
Monthly Trip Cap 40 30
Minimum Age 60 Senior
18 Disability
65 Senior
18 Disability
Medical Trips All Operating Hours All Operating Hours
(10am-3pm encouraged)
Enrollment Continuous Continuous after the August to October
2019 90-day enrollment freeze
Explanation of Proposed Program Changes
Monthly Ride Cap: Staff recommends limiting the number of trips a member can take to
30 trips per month. At the program’s launch, a limit of 60 trips per month per member
was established, which was later lowered to 40 trips per month, a change that impacted
less than two percent (2%) of members. Generally, most current MODE members take
far fewer trips, averaging 10 trips per month.
A concern among the stakeholder group was that lowering the monthly trip allowance to
near the average utilization rate (10 to 20 trips per month) could adversely impact
members who rely on MODE to get to adult day care, dialysis, or other frequent care
programs. Stakeholders were concerned that these individuals would have to find an
alternative way to meet their needs. Remaining sensitive to this issue, staff
recommends a 30-trip per month cap, which allows some flexibility on keeping fares low
while preserving adequate mobility for those involved in regular care programs.
Minimum Age Requirement: The recommended proposal is to increase the senior age
requirement from 60 to 65 years of age. Current members under 65 would not be
impacted by this proposed change and would continue to enjoy program benefits.
Residents under 65 could still apply and be admitted if they have a disability.
The proposal presented in public hearing was to increase the senior age requirement to
62 years of age. A consistent feedback theme was to consider increasing the age
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requirement further if it would lead to reductions in the proposed fares, especially as
currently 89% of MODE members are older than 65.
Out of Santa Monica Medical Trips: There are no changes proposed to the hours
available for trips to medical facilities outside of Santa Monica. These include UCLA
Medical Center in Westwood, Kaiser West Los Angeles, Kaiser Marina Culver, and the
West LA VA Medical Center. However, BBB staff will encourage members to schedule
these trips during non-peak hours (10am-3pm) to ease the challenges of traveling
during rush hour.
90-Day Enrollment Freeze: Staff is proposing a temporary enrollment freeze during the
months of August, September, and October 2019. This will allow staff to devote
significant time to assisting current qualified low-income MODE members to enroll in the
LIFE program and take advantage of the reduced fares for those who qualify for LIFE.
More than 1,000 current MODE members are expected to enroll in LIFE.
Service Area and Service Hours: There are no recommended changes to the current
service area, service hours, and days the program is available to eligible members
Title VI Civil Rights Analysis
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The proposed fare changes and enrollment criteria are subject to a fare equity analysis
as defined by BBB’s Major Service and Fare Change Policy to ensure compliance with
the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI regulations as defined by FTA Circular
4702.1B. The purpose of the analysis is to determine whether the proposed changes
would result in a disparate impact on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin, or a
disproportionate burden on the low-income population. The fare equity analysis
completed (attached) found that the revised fare structure and enrollment criteria do not
result in an adverse disparate impact on the minority population or an adverse
disproportionate burden on the low-income population.
Visioning MODE Going Forward
During the public feedback process, a recurring theme amongst many MODE members
was that the program had enabled a new and transforming level of mobility in their daily
lives, but that the current program constraints were too restrictive to fully meet their
needs. There were requests for additional services, including out-of-Santa Monica
locations such as the Disability Community Resource Center in Venice and for
expanded weekday and weekend hours of operation so that residents could participate
in evening and weekend activities more freely.
A second feedback theme was that given the low percentage of seniors currently
enrolled in MODE, BBB should be looking ahead and pursuing additional funding
streams. There was a sense in the community that the current $600,000 budget did not
appear to be adequate to meet the inherent demand.
Given these themes, BBB is pursuing competitive grant funding and looking to other
avenues for program funding. Program expansion is not included in this staff
recommendation. Pending availability for additional program funding, staff will return to
council with recommendations for program expansion.
Currently, BBB staff responsible for administering the MODE program do not charge
time to the program’s administrative budget. It is recommended that, should the MODE
program continue to grow as projected, a full-time MODE administrator be employed by
BBB. This administrator would act as a liaison with Wise & Healthy Aging, MV
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Transportation, and Lyft to ensure service quality is maintained. Additionally, this
administrator would pursue all available grant funding opportunities and provide grants
administration to meet the growing need for this type of service.
Past Council Actions
Meeting Date Description
11/28/2017 Award Contract for Dial-A-Ride Services (On-Demand Transportation) to
Lyft, Inc.
02/27/1997 Recommendation to Approve Modifications to Fare Schedules and Policies
regarding Paratransit Service
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
The current budget for MODE is $600,000 and the program is funded by Proposition A
Local Return Transportation funds. Staff projects the proposed recommended fare and
program changes would exceed budget by approximately $33,000 and $5,000 in
FY2019-20 and FY2020-21, respectively, before meeting budget in FY2021 -22. If
needed, staff recommends that Local Return Measure M funding be used to pay for the
projected additional $38,000 required to fund the MODE program over the FY2019-21
budget cycles.
These projections include the cost of Lyft trips, operating the wheelchair accessible
vehicles, reservation and dispatch software, and BBB call center staff required to
reserve and dispatch MODE trips by phone for those without smartphones. The budget
projections are based on Lyft’s current rates. This report does not speculate on any
changes to Lyft rates that may potentially occur between now and the end of their last
contract option year ending in February 2022, if the City decides to exercise all its
renewal options. Finally, should the program continue growing as projected, additional
staffing including a full-time program administrator may be considered, subject to
budget approval.
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Prepared By: Timothy McCormick, Transit Planning and Performance Manager
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Public Comments
B. Local Dial-A-Ride Fares
C. Title VI Equity Analysis Mode Changes
D. Original MODE Proposal Presentation
E. 02/25/1997 Recommendation to Approve Modifications to Fare Schedules and
Policies regarding Paratransit Service
F. 11/28/2017 Award Contract for Dial-A-Ride Services (On-Demand
Transportation) to Lyft, Inc.
G. Written Comments
H. PowerPoint Presentation
MODE Proposed Changes FY20-22 – Summary of Feedback
Efforts were made by staff to contact MODE members to inform them of the proposed changes,
and of ways in which they could learn more and submit feedback.
Online • MODE public hearing webpage on BBB website with summary
of proposed changes
• Link to MODE public hearing page from City’s website
MODE Call Center • Call center staff were trained to inform members of the public
hearing and to encourage feedback
Print • Bilingual flyers were distributed on board the wheelchair
vans, at Blue: The Transit Store, at Ken Edwards Center, and
at City Hall
CCS Outreach • An electronic version of the flyer was forwarded by CCS to 22
social service organizations, the Older Adults Task
Force, the Disabilities Commission, and the Commission for
the Senior Community
Email • Two e-mail notifications were sent to the 794 MODE members
who had provided an email address
Commissions • Staff presented the proposals at the regularly
scheduled April meetings of the Disabilities Commission and
the Commission for the Senior Community
Public Hearing • Information on the proposed changes was
presented and comments, questions, and suggestions were
taken and recorded
Public Comments • BBB also accepted feedback online, by mail, and by phone
Public Hearing – April 10, 2019
Big Blue Bus held a public hearing on the proposed fare and program changes on April 10,
2019, from 10am to 12pm at the Santa Monica Main Public Library. The public hearing was
attended by 62 individuals. Transit Director, Ed King, presented the proposed fare and program
changes, followed by a formal comment period, and concluded with an informal Q&A where the
public could interact directly with BBB staff members.
Twenty (20) individuals submitted verbal or written comments during the public hearing. The
following is a summary of the comments:
• Ten (10) comments opposed the proposed fare changes
• Eight (8) comments suggested looking for alternative funding sources to limit proposed
changes to MODE.
• Three (3) comments stated that they found the suggested times for out of Santa Monica
medical trips troubling or impractical.
• Two (2) comments suggested the monthly trip cap was okay or could even be reduced if
it meant the proposed fare increases would be reduced. One (1) comment opposed the
proposed change to the monthly trip cap.
• Two (2) comments requested more information on the LIFE Program
• Seven (7) comments were received on various MODE-related issues such as driver tips,
expanding service, Big Blue Bus service, etc.
Santa Monica Works – March 21 – May 1, 2019
Forty-Four (46) individuals submitted comments via Santa Monica Works (online, e-mail, mail or
phone) during the period of March 21, 2019 to May 1, 2019. The following is a summary of the
comments:
• The majority (31) were opposed to the proposed fare changes. Two others said they
were okay with the fare change.
• Fifteen (15) comments stated that they found the suggested times for out of Santa
Monica medical trips troubling or impractical.
• Nine (9) comments suggested the proposed enrollment age was fine or could even be
increased if the proposed fare increases could be reduced. Two (2) other comments
opposed the proposed enrollment age.
• Eight (8) comments suggested the monthly trip cap was okay or could even be reduced
if it meant the proposed fare increase could be reduced. Two (2) other comments
opposed the proposed change to the monthly trip cap.
• Four (4) comments suggest finding alternative funding sources.
• Four (5) comments are related to the LIFE program and enrollment
• Two (2) comments were opposed to the proposed free fare for personal care attendants
(PCA) and companions
• Nine (9) comments were received on various MODE-related issues such as driver tips,
expanding service, Big Blue Bus service, etc.
Efforts were made by staff to contact MODE members to inform them of the proposed changes,
and of ways in which they could learn more and submit feedback.
Feedback Received at Public Hearing – April 10, 2019
(see Appendix A for full comment)
Last, First Name Comment Synopsis
Lynn, Peterson Proposed limiting unnecessary nonmedical rides. If MODE can weigh
more heavily towards more qualifying customers (Age qualified, under
poverty level, disabled and given up their car for environmental
reasons.
Grossman, Joan MODE cost is too high especially when paying $4 a ride to pick up a $5
prescription. Proposed getting money from additional sources.
Conn, Maya Requested prior MODE feedback. Asked what roles the Planning
Commission have. Requested logistics on Shared Lyft rides compared
to single. Questioned how we know age of MODE Customers and
where they are traveling to. Wanted to know what a Santa Monica
Works ticket is.
Baines, Judith Proposed the 400% is an awful big increase. Proposed limiting MODE
usage or distance.
Kayton, Paula Propose to cut down cost by instituting more Buses within Santa
Monica. One reason to use MODE is because the buses have been
cut. Cut out scooters.
Washington, Janet Wait time is too long to request a vehicle. Sometime you cannot get
through the MODE line. Asked why they cut out the 2 dinners per
month. Proposed $2 is too much even if access is charging $2.75.
Stemock, Mark Asked why the rides were reduced from 40 to 36. Requested
assistance on the process of get reimbursed for overcharged Lyft trips.
Asked if customer have to enroll again April 17.
Lang, Gretchen Requesting additional funds. The price range to jump 400% is too
much. Proposed limiting hours for trips is a bad idea.
Sandra Requested on how drivers were chosen and what qualifies them. If
there is a process to select woman drivers.
Osterday, Judith Meeting location was inaccessible for elders and requesting moving it
to a park. Requested looking into alternatives to Lyft. A local golf cart
ran by students or elders was a suggestion. Charge an annual amount
or donations to participate.
Lakin, Gloria Alternatives to Lyft. Requesting more about the Life program. Would
not mind paying $1 or $1.50.
Premer, Anne Request to do whatever we can to keep the fare down.
Newman, Rhoda MODE cost increase will cut down Driver tips.
Anonymous Congrats on providing enjoyable service for her and her family.
Anonymous Not having a smart phone when accessing MODE.
Anonymous Requesting additional funds from Chamber of Commerce. Requested
where we get our additional cost from.
Witherspoon,
Jacquelyn
Hoped we can find more funds. Propose we start an infrastructure for
self-driving cars.
Steiner, Louise Propose whoever is funding the free rides at 7th & Bergamot metro
station should fund MODE.
Parrish, Rosemary Suggest publically asking for money. Recommend fares between $0.50
to $1.00 per ride.
Dickinson, Carol Fare Increases too high, will result in decrease in ridership.
Feedback Received via SM Works (Online, E-mail, Phone, Mail)
(see Appendix B for full comment)
Last, First Name Topics Comment Synopsis
Anonymous Fares, PCA Fare increase is too high for those who do not qualify for
low-income fare. Unfair to subsidize PCA trips. Residents
using the wheelchair accessible vehicles should pay more
since it is a costlier service to provide.
Anonymous Fares, Age Fare increase is too high for those who do not qualify for
low-income fare. Raise the enrollment age if it mitigates
fare increases. Residents using the wheelchair accessible
vehicles should pay more since it is a costlier service to
provide.
Anonymous Fares, PCA Fare increase is too high for those who do not qualify for
low-income fare. Unfair to subsidize PCA trips. Married
couples will mostly benefit. Residents using the wheelchair
accessible vehicles should pay more since it is a costlier
service to provide.
Anonymous Fares, Age,
Cap
Fare increase it too high. Raise the enrollment age and
reduce ride cap if it leads to lower fare increases.
Becker, Pat Fares, Cap,
Age, Medical
Trips
Fare increase is too high. Round trips to grocery store,
school, medical appointments will be expensive. Reducing
trip cap will impact seniors. Raising the age is petty and
mean. Traveling out of Santa Monica during suggested
hours 10am-3pm will be challenging.
Bowlin, Pamela Fares Proposed fares would be a hardship
Devonshire,
Katherine
Fares Proposed fares are too high. I can comply with all your
other changes
Dickinson, Carol Fares Proposed fares are too high. Do everything possible to
stay at present price.
Dudick, Phillis Fares,
funding
Proposed fares are too high for those who would not
qualify for low-income fare. Other funds should be
dedicated to retain low fares.
Dudick, Phyllis Fares,
Medical
Trips, Cap
Proposed fares are too high for those who would not
qualify for low-income fare. Encouraged time for out of
Santa Monica trips not feasible. Proposed trip cap not
feasible. Consider more income tiers. Better public
information.
Dunn, Helen LIFE Request more info on LIFE
Furuya, Glenn Fares,
Funding
Proposed fare changes are too high for people who
regularly rely on the service. BBB should look at other
ways to subsidize the services like the SM Cost Recovery
Program
Gottesman, Judith Fares Proposed Fares are too high. Encouraged times for out of
Santa Monica trips are impractical.
Halstensgard,
Virginia
Fares Fares should not be increased for low-income seniors.
Proposed trip cap is a huge drop.
Hilton, Richard Other Reinstate monthly outings of the previous dial-a-ride
system
ilbagian, Parviz Fares,
Medical
Trips, Age
Offer regular Lyft rides. Do not change appointment times.
Increase the minimum age
KAYTON, PAULA Fares, Bus
Service
Offer better bus service. Do not raise fares.
Kessel, Barbara Other No Issues
Lane, Jaryl Fares, Age,
Cap, Medical
Trips
Opposes fare proposal. Increase age and lower trip cap to
reduce fare increases. UCLA Medical trips before 3 is
impractical.
Lane, Jaryl Age, Fares,
Trip Cap,
Medical Trips
Raise the age to 65. Fare proposal is too high. No problem
reducing trip cap. Medical appointment times are
challenging.
Lanes, Gretchen Medical
Appointments
Encouraged medical appointment times are not practical.
Lawson, Larry Fares,
Funding,
Medical Trips
Proposed fare changes are too high. Look for alternative
funding. Encouraged medical appointment times are not
practical.
Lerer, Elizabeth Other When are the public meetings regarding MODE?
Lerer, Elizabeth Funding How is MODE funded?
Lerer, Elizabeth Fares Proposed fare changes is too high. Need better
information on public meetings
Lerer, Elizabeth Other More public comment
Lynch, Deborah Fares, Cap,
Extend
Service
Proposed fare changes are too high. Opposes trip cap
change. Request for more hours on weekends
Michaelson, ruth Fares Proposed fare changes are too high.
Michaelson, ruth Fares Proposed fare changes are too high
Newman, Rhoda Fares Opposes fare change. Has other suggesion
Ober-Brown,
Sheila
Medical
Trips, Fares
Encouraged medical appointment times are not practical.
Proposed fare changes are too high.
Palazzolo, Joseph Other Need more information to comment
Saber, Mary All Accept all changes
Shanley, Ruthann Fares Proposed fare changes are too high
Showrai, Atiyeh Medical Trips Encouraged medical appointment times are not practical.
Spata, Mary Cap Reduce cap for lower fares.
Steiner, Louise All Opposes proposed changes.
Stewart, Kathleen LIFE More info on low income proposal
Tarbet, Michael Fares Proposed fares changes are too high. Encourage medical
appointment times are impractical
Umano, Georja All Keep service without changes
Wade, Robin Medical
Trips, Fares
Encouraged medical appointment times are impractical.
Concerned about the fare change and low income
guidelines.
Wade, Robin Fares,
Medical
Trips,
Expand
Service
Proposed fare change is too high. Encourage medical
appointment times are impractical. Expand service to
Target, other destinations.
Weller, Kecia Fares,
Medical Trips
Proposed fare change is too high. Encourage medical
appointment times are impractical.
Ying, Fuhua LIFE More info on low income proposal
Zeiger, Arthur Fares, Others
ok
Proposed fare changes are too high. Other changes are
reasonable.
Kameron LIFE More info on low income proposal
APPENDIX A
Detailed Feedback Received via Public Hearing – April 10, 2019
Peterson, Lynn
Synopsis: Proposed limiting unnecessary nonmedical rides. If MODE can weigh more
heavily towards more qualifying customers (Age qualified, under poverty level, disabled
and given up their car for environmental reasons.
Is your model something that you could say what if we don’t allow rides and pick-ups to Ross?
What if we eliminate or is it testable. What about triple treats? People like me who are age
qualified, under poverty level, and disabled? Is there any way to weight more heavily? Favoring
those who have given up our cars.
Grossman, Joan
Synopsis: MODE cost is too high especially when paying $4 a ride to pick up a $5
prescription. Proposed getting money from additional sources.
First I want to thank all of you for having this service available for everyone. I am in California
25 years. I lived the bulk of it in Playa del Rey. The MODE 50 cent ride was a huge incentive to
move to California. I really depend on the MODE service. I also use Big Blue Bus and by the
way the drivers are exceptional. For me to take the bus it means me walking a little bit but if I
miss the bus a half a minute, I am standing there for another 15 waiting for the bus. Also I don’t
always know the schedule coming back. Also if you are carrying heavy packages it is too heavy
to carry. Raising the Mode cost from .50 cents to $2 is a big difference. Especially in practical
situations. Was thinking is there any way to cut corners. The aids were paid 25 cents before
then free now raising it again even though you say it won’t make a difference but maybe
together they mean something. Certainly you shouldn’t cut out medical trips but the trip to Ross
or someplace else maybe. I always thought 50 cent was exceedingly low, I can certainly see
paying a dollar each way but if I want to pick up medication at Rite Aide there a big difference
paying a dollar then $4 sometime the medication is only $5. It makes a huge difference. To
your credit you did say you cut the cost from $20 to $12, I don’t know how you did that if you
want to share that with us you can, may you can cut back a little more by doing more of
whatever it is that you did. You really have to think outside of the box. I am asking you to do
whatever Santa Monica does, to think with your heart and not your head. Consider us your
mothers and fathers from 50 cent to $2 is untenable. May lower that to a dollar each way.
Conn, Maya
Requested prior MODE feedback. Asked what roles the Planning Commission have.
Requested logistics on Shared Lyft rides compared to single. Questioned how we know
age of MODE Customers and where they are traveling to. Wanted to know what a Santa
Monica Works ticket is.
I wanted to know about the feedback you already received, what the actual feedback was.
What were the parameters of the feedback? I’d like to know what role the Planning
Commission has here. So my understanding was that you were able to use Lyft for MODE,
because you got a grant. Maybe that’s wrong but that’s what I was told. You have increased
the Grant, I don’t understand why you are saying you are operating on the same $600,000 that
you have limited resources. The city pays a lot of money for a lot of things. How could we
possibly increase funding from the city? How has the shard Lyft helped? You never gave us the
logistics. Doing the share compared to the one on one. I totally agree that 50 Cents to $2 is a
huge jump. I understand about raising the cost but that is too much. I wanted to know how you
knew the age of riders and how do you know the out of area medical trips. I don’t know what a
Santa Monica Works ticket is but to me when you get a ticket means, some kind of reference
number you can go back to but it didn’t have that. I didn’t understand how you would
encourage a return by 3pm. And how you encourage a start after 10am. I would disagree about
medical appointments being easier in the afternoon. In my experiences it is usually early
morning.
Baines, Judith
Synopsis: Proposed the 400% is an awful big increase. Proposed limiting MODE usage
or distance.
I do think it’s a great program and I love the Big Blue Bus also. I do think it’s an awful big
increase of 400%. When you were talking about each ride costing $12.50, is that an average?
If you are looking into other alternatives may you can calculate distance or usage. As a way
into controlling some of that.
Kayton, Paula
Synopsis: Propose to cut down cost by instituting more Buses within Santa Monica.
One reason to use MODE is because the buses have been cut. Cut out scooters.
I have retired from UCLA and one of my jobs was a troubleshooter. I am coming to it from that
background. I have a suggestion on a way to cut down your cost, institute more Buses within
Santa Monica. One of the reasons we take this MODE transportation is because buses have
been cut out, buses have been rerouted. One reason I purchased my home was because it
was on Bus routes. In the past about 2 years ago you cut out a Bus around my house and then
you rerouted the other. I can’t even take a bus to go to the grocery store anymore. When I
called Big Blue Bus about it they told me to take the bus in the opposite route to go to Ralphs in
the Pacific Palisades. This was the number 9. I would suggest especially in the Northern part of
Santa Monica where you cut out the bus on Carlyle. So more us of could use the bus and I
think it will cut down on the MODE because I much rather use the bus. I know what the
schedule is. I had to wait 40 minutes for the Lyft, it said 5 minutes then it said 10 and it kept
changing then I saw the driver go by my street. It’s not as easy as it seems. I also wanted to
point out scooter. They keep saying we have so many modes of transportation. I am a senior I
cannot use a scooter. They are a menus to us.
Washington, Janet
Synopsis: Wait time is too long to request a vehicle. Sometime you cannot get through
the MODE line. Asked why they cut out the 2 dinners per month. Proposed $2 is too
much even if access is charging $2.75.
I want to thank you for the program. But sometimes you have to wait more than 5 minutes and
sometime you can’t get through then they say wait and all that. With dial-a-ride you can get a
ride until at least up until 5:30. Two dollars is too much. Even access is charging $2.75. You
are charging more because you are using Lyft. Lyft is not cheap. You decided to use that
program that wasn’t up to us. I think two dollars is too much. You also cut out the 2 dinners we
were going to twice a month. I want to know why that was taken away. The program is not that
good but Dial-a-ride had its problems but it was much better than this.
Stemock, Mark
Synopsis: Asked why the rides were reduced from 40 to 36. Requested assistance on
the process of get reimbursed for overcharged Lyft trips. Asked if customer have to
enroll again April 17.
I did not know about the reduction of rides from 40 to 36. And I got overcharged like 7 times
and I owe $50 to Lyft because of that mistake. I’m fighting it with my credit card. I am calling it
fraudulent because I was no told this number was reduced. There was a reduction from 60 to
40 nobody told me. I ended up getting overcharged 7 times. They make a mistakes on
overcharges. This thing on April 17th if you are already in the program do you have to re-up
again?
Lang, Gretchen
Synopsis: Requesting additional funds. The price range to jump 400% is too much.
Proposed limiting hours for trips is a bad idea.
First of all, I know we live in the most beautiful and the wealthiest city in the country. I don’t
know why you can’t requesting addition funding for seniors in the city. There must be some
way. I know we made tons of money from development. And we have paid the consequences
for some of that development. Some of that money should come back to the people that have
lived here. The price range to jump 400% is ridiculous. There must be some other ways to get
money. I prefer buses but when I have time.
My biggest beef is with the medical time limitations. I am working and I feel for everybody
suffering financially but my biggest issue is not being able to summon a MODE for medical. I
missed a MODE meeting for a Doctor’s appointment. I summoned my MODE at 8. I got back at
12. I do not mind sharing a ride but know when you are going to make it back. You have to plan
at least half an hour more to get to your doctor. I need to go to Doctor’s in the morning. You
allowed me to go at 8 o’clock. In the email I perceived it as limitations to 10-3.
Sandra
Synopsis: Requested on how drivers were chosen and what qualifies them. If there is a
process to select woman drivers.
So far MODE has been very good for me and there has been some glitches still trying to work
out. How are the drivers embedded? What are the qualifications? I have an upcoming trip to
LAX at 3am in the morning. And this is worrying me. I would like a woman driver, not sure if this
is possible.
I have one thing about the meeting at the library. This is very worrisome for me coming to the
library because the homeless wondering around the lobby and outside. Can you relocate the
MODE meeting because of the homeless? They wonder around and the guard refuses to
escort me up the elevator. I just took the chance to come today.
Osterday, Judith
Synopsis: Meeting location was inaccessible for elders and requesting moving it to a
park. Requested looking into alternatives to Lyft. A local golf cart ran by students or
elders was a suggestion. Charge an annual amount or donations to participate.
I think having a meeting at the library is beautiful but there is many people we saw outside who
couldn’t even come up here. They were not physically able to do it. This isn’t a good thing for
seniors. Especially people with MODE; with walkers. It feels like you did not want people to
participate. Arrange meetings at a park so everyone can show up and participate.
Instead of Lyft around town like this maybe it could be a lot less expensive if you have a golf
cart thing like Lowe’s hotel. They sponsor some of those and have those instead. Use senior
and students as drivers. So then the whole community is participating. Annual amount to
participate or donations to participate.
Lakin, Gloria
Synopsis: Alternatives to Lyft. Requesting more about the Life program. Would not mind
paying $1 or $1.50.
I really enjoy MODE. I was so excited this program happened. All my doctors have surgeries in
the morning and all my appointments are after 3. I am happy to hear you are not going to stop
that service. Have you thought about partnering with Uber or a service called free ride? I
wanted to bring up safety issues. How safe are seniors to get in these cars? I hate to think
seniors getting into the wrong car.
What is LIFE members? Are we automatically LIFE members or is that a proposal. Please tell
me about that. I was going to say one more thing as far as price. I know you are going to try
and go for the 2. If you can knock off 50 cents that would be nice. If you can charge $1 or $1.50
like riding the Big Blue Bus. Just a negotiation status
Premer, Anne
Synopsis: Request to do whatever we can to keep the fare down.
I work at 1st United Methodist Church and this service has been a life changer for our
congregation. We have a very vibrant senior segment of our community there that wants to do
more but can’t drive. This fare increase is going to be another game changer. Not sure where
you get your funding from. With all this new stuff coming into the city why isn’t that money being
added on for the seniors? Please do whatever you can to keep that fare down. It has been
amazing this last year. If you can do anything we would be so grateful.
Newman, Rhoda
Synopsis: MODE cost increase will cut down Driver tips.
I have a question that has not been addressed. I use the bus to get around. But the Lyft service
has been a life saver for grocery shopping. I really appreciate the drivers that take my
overloaded cart and put it in their trunk and deliver to my front door. I am perfectly happy to
give them a tip for their service. The increase in fares cuts down on tips for their service.
Anonymous
Synopsis: Congrats on providing enjoyable service for her and her family.
I have been using the BBB since 1957. I enjoy it. I used it to see what’s in the city. My car
retired so I am using the bus more. I just want you to know that BBB has provided enjoyment
for me and my family. Dial-A-Ride to MODE I have accepted that. With MODE, I really enjoy it
and I just wanted you to know that.
Anonymous
Synopsis: Not having a smart phone when accessing MODE.
I don’t have a Smart phone with access to wireless (data usage). That means I have to use the
phone to call MODE. I prefer using the bus most of the time, which I do. 3 different occasion I
had to wait 20 minutes and still no one answered the phone for me to make an appointment.
You can’t make an appointment beforehand. You have to call at the time to make the
appointment. I was unaware about a reservation number. I have called from a heavy grocery
shopping and waited 20 minutes waiting for someone to answer the phone. I ended up using
the bus with a heavy load of groceries.
Anonymous
Synopsis: Proposed additional funds from Chamber of Commerce. Requested where we
get our additional cost from.
Why can’t we go to the Chamber of Commerce and ask for a few bucks to add to the funding,
like a grant. They are making money off us.
What additional cost does MODE have? Where are your additional cost coming from? Other
than Lyft?
Witherspoon, Jaquelyn
Synopsis: Hoped we can find more funds. Propose we start an infrastructure for self-
driving cars.
Customer wrote: Mobility makes for a full life. I hope Santa Monica can find funding for mobility
issues. Santa Monica needs to start infrastructure for self-driving cars.
Steiner, Louise
Synopsis: Propose whoever is funding the free rides at 7th & Bergamot metro station
should fund MODE.
Customer wrote: Many years ago the BBB system seemed to work well for all resident bus
riders. Then the bus was redesigned to accommodate the students and out-of-town
commuters. Our bus were mostly moved to 4th Street. Most used to take that took me a 1 block
walk now it’s about 6 blocks. Seats (bench) were removed. MODE came in and it was great for
seniors to get out. The medical costs to medi-cali is lower as seniors get out and engage in
activities. MODE rides are keeping elder drivers off at-risk driving their own vehicles. Who is
funding the free rides at night for the 7th Street and bargomont metro stations? That money
could be used for the MODE people.
Parrish, Rosemary
Synopsis: Suggest publically asking for money. Recommend fares between $0.50 to
$1.00 per ride.
Customer wrote:
1. Publicity is important. If we have more information on use of Lyft and qualifications for
assistance made public it would help! Handouts, Santa Monica Newspaper, etc.
2. I would be willing to pay $1 or $1.50 per ride.
Dickinson, Carol
Synopsis: Fare Increases too high, will result in decrease in ridership.
Customer wrote: Fare increases will be too high! Senior ridership will decrease as a result. The
city wants less cars on the road. The current MODE program reduces traffic and the need for
parking. All seniors should only have to pay 50 cents. We beg you to find other funding
sources!
APPENDIX B
Detailed Feedback Received via SM Works
Kameron
Synopsis: More info on low income proposal
How is low income verified? And what are the income max to be considered as low income?
Anonymous,
Synopsis: Fare increase is too high for those who do not qualify for low -income fare.
Raise the enrollment age if it mitigates fare increases. Residents using the wheelchair
accessible vehicles should pay more since it is a costlier service to provide.
It is unfair to those of us that use the Lyft app with the Mode ride service to have to pay 4X
what we are paying now to cover the cost of allowing a "companion" person to ride for free!!!!
At the very least that fee should be raised from the current 25 cents to 50 cents to cover the
cost. I will be unable to continue to use this service if the fee is raised this much. My monthly
fee usage would go from $15 a month to $60 a month and that is not feasible for me to even
consider paying. And why should those that are using the dial a ride and van service -- which
is what costs more -- pay the same or less. Raise the age to 65 and lower the number of
rides if necessary but keep the fee at a reasonable rate such as 75 cents per ride through
Lyft. Isn't this about providing seniors with an AFFORDABLE ride . And to those that don't
qualify for the "low income" service we will be forced to no longer use the service to pay for
those other people that are eligible. I feel you are not being fair to all participates of the
program and accommodating only to a smaller few.
Synopsis: Fare increase is too high for those who do not qualify for low -income fare.
Unfair to subsidize PCA trips. Married couples will mostly benefit. Residents using the
wheelchair accessible vehicles should pay more since it is a costlier service to
provide.
This is in response to the proposed fair increase to the Lyft mode rideshare program. Raising
the price to $2.00 per ride is going to make it unfeasable for MOST seniors to use the
program on a regular basis. You should minimize the raise in fare and leave in place the
charge for additional riders. Why should all the rest of the users carry the burden of the cost
so that a few can have a second person with them. I have used the service several times
when the other people in the shared ride are a husband and wife. Now they get a discount for
both of them and once the new policy goes into effect they will get an even bigger discount.
Basically they would only be paying $1.00 each while I would have to pay $2.00 - does that
REALLY seem fair? All of the other proposed changes, age requirement, less rides a month,
etc. are not as drastic a change. Why not charge those persons utilizing the VAN service and
dial a ride service a higher rate as these are the fares that cost the most to accommodate.
You are pandering to a select group of seniors while eliminating the rest of us that benefit
from the service. Isn't the purpose to help us all?
Synopsis: Fare increase is too high for those who do not qualify for low -income fare.
Unfair to subsidize PCA trips. Residents using the wheelchair accessible vehicles
should pay more since it is a costlier service to provide.
This is in response to the proposed 300% fare increase in the Mode ride program for seniors.
I have been using the program via Lyft since last August and it has made life much easier for
me to get around in Santa Monica. Now you want to raise the price to $2.00 per ride -- that is
ridiculous for those of us that don't qualify for the low income program. WHY should we be
forced to pay so much more than others do AND pay for their companion riders? Again I am
paying for subsidizing other people's rides. NOT FAIR. If they want to have a second person
with them they should pay for that person. I agree with the increase in age limit and even am
ok with the reduction in rides a month. BUT I will be unable to continue using the program if
the rate is increased by the proposed amount. If you want to increase the ride on those
calling the special cars for wheelchairs etc that is different. That takes a lot more resource
and time and should cost more. But for those of us that are using the LYFT program we
should not be penalized and having to pay for others indulgent use of the program.
Synopsis: Fare increase it too high. Raise the enrollment age and reduce ride cap if it
leads to lower fare increases.
Your fare increases are very steep. I would increase the age to 65 or66 which is Medicare
timetable rather than raise fares. If you add in an even modest tip for a Lyft ride, this gets
very expensive very quickly, prohibitive. I would even reduce the amount of usage before
raising the fares.
Becker, Pat
Synopsis: Fare increase is too high. Round trips to grocery store, school, medical
appointments will be expensive. Reducing trip cap will impact seniors. Raising the age
is petty and mean. Traveling out of Santa Monica during suggested hours 10am-3pm
will be challenging.
MODE is a Success! Twice as many riders per day are going to medical appointments,
shopping destinations, social events and services and more than the community served with
the clunky old Dial-a-Ride. Twice as many senior riders are set free to have a life beyond
apartment and house walls. Let me tell you, I and my co-riders using MODE have been
celebrating a life of reconnecting socially and meeting our needs independently. And the City
of Santa Monica and Big Blue Bus wants to cut the program back. I guess we were enjoying
our new life too much. Put the seniors back in the box. Proposed Program & Fare
Adjustments - Comments Fare adjustments: Increase the fare by 4 times. $4.00 RT to go to
the grocery store, take things to the shredder, attend a class at Emeritus. $4.00 RT to go to a
medical appointment. Several times a week for some. What is the monthly price tag of that?
What does it cost you to make a trip to the grocery store within the community in your private
car? Maybe $2.00 RT It’s going to cost the most financially vulnerable of our community
a lot more, twice that. Or we will be back on the bus, maybe two. Four rides and a wait in the
sun, the wind and the rain. It can take up to 2 hours just to get to and from the grocery store.
A big chunk out of the day to get basic groceries. There is little opportunity to shop for the
less expensive or other preferred items so our cost of living goes up, quality of life goes
down. No incentive to participate within the community. Monthly Trip Cap: Cut the number
from 40 rides to 36 rides per month. Every ride you cut is going to cost a senior $6 or more.
Many will do without when they really shouldn’t. Minimum Age Requirement: Raising the
minimum age required for older adults to enroll in the program from 60-years-old to 62-years-
old is just petty and mean. What about people who have qualified for the program this year?
Do they get dropped and have to wait to requalify? Petty and Mean. Medical Appointment
Trips: MODE members encouraged? Do you really mean required? That’s a cut back
from what Dial-a-Ride offered. Trying to get an appointment with a doctor or other out-patient
care within such strict parameters in a timely manner can be next to impossible. Weekday
10am to 3pm Urgent Care? How long do you like waiting to have an urgent medical need
seen to? Doctors don’t start work at 10am or stop at 3pm. Out patient procedures are
sometimes offered only on Saturday, at least at Kaiser. The MODE Proposal sheet states:
“The success of MODE thus far, reflects how essential on-demand, curb-to-curb
transportation is to Santa Monica residents.†As a matter of fact, the service should be
expanded rather than cut back. Social contact is so important for all of us, at all ages.
Seniors without transportation miss out. It is important to our community that we hear from
everyone at public meetings. Older adults can provide valuable input at City Hall and city
special interest meetings. How to attend when you can’t get home? Weekday and
Saturday service needs to be extended to at least 9:30pm. Sunday service should be
available until 6pm MODE expands our possibilities. Enable our older population to
participate in life.
Bowlin, Pamela
Synopsis: Proposed fares would be a hardship
I Pamela Bowlin would like to file a grievance against the MODE ride in reference to the fare
hike. I am on a limited income and this would be a hardship. I feel that this proposal is
discriminating against the senior citizens of Santa Monica. My phone number is 3104505922
and my ID number is 7083.
Devonshire, Katherine
Synopsis: Proposed fares are too high. I can comply with all your other changes
I think your proposed changes are fair though the jump from 50 cents to $2.00 is a bit steep. I
can comply with all your other changes. Sorry I can't attend the meeting. I'd like to hear what
others say. Kay Devonshire 4676.
Dickinson, Carol
Synopsis: Proposed fares are too high. Do everything possible to stay at present
price.
Carol Dickinson wrote to protest the proposed changes to the MODE program. She believes
the price increase is too much for the senior citizens. She would like MODE to do everything
possible to stay at the present price.
Dudick, Phillis
Synopsis: Proposed fares are too high for those who would not qualify for low-income
fare. Other funds should be dedicated to retain low fares.
To Whom It May Concern: I have been semi-homebound for 5 months due to surgeries and
have found the MODE program to be a godsend to me, enabling me to get to doctor
appointments in particular. I am very appreciative of this program and its benefit to seniors. I
do feel that an increase from 50 cents to $2 per ride is going to make it difficult for many
seniors who are over the line, such as myself, but not considered low income. That is a huge
jump in cost per ride at one time and demonstrates to me poor planning in anticipation of the
program. I think it important to consider a more modest increase. If you are going to use
income as a basis for cost, then suggest breaking into more than two categories (based on
income). The program has given seniors a real break and should continue to do so,
especially those of us who are retired and do not fall into the low income category, but would
find traveling at $2.00 per ride and need to depend on LYFT a major budget consideration.
We do pay taxes here and it would be desirable to receive some benefits from those tax
dollars, or others funds dedicated to make life a little easier for older residents. For some the
Blue Bus is too cumbersome, or stops not located within a convenient range. The door to
door service works so well. Yes, at $2 it is a savings versus regular LYFT rates. But who
says regular LYFT rates as the mode of transportation is feasible for many seniors. $2 per
ride for many seniors will also present budgetary issues for many of those who depend solely
on MODE transportation. I respectfully ask you to consider re-vamping the proposed
increase to better meet the needs of the Santa Monica senior population. Thank you for your
attention to this matter. Sincerely, Phillis Dudick (310) 395-5556 Santa Monica Resident
Dudick, Phyllis
Synopsis: Proposed fares are too high for those who would not qualify for low-income
fare. Encouraged time for out of Santa Monica trips not feasible. Proposed trip cap not
feasible. Consider more income tiers. Better public information.
INCIDENT SUMMARY RE Proposed Changes: Ms D has been very happy with the program
(had phys problems since surgery) but: 1.) not happy re raise from $0.40 to $2 is too large an
increase at one time.. This is almost $4 r/t, this is supposed to be a help for fixed income
seniors, but if you take it 1 r/t trip a ride each weekday = $80 / month which is more than
she'd spend for gas in her car not fair to seniors at all 2.) Fist of all, not right to open up a
program at $0.50 /ride, then gee it's too $$$, and raise almost 400%; not good planning or
fair -- you need to find another way. 3.) Also, trip time restriction for medical appts. also not
practical nor realistic 4.) 36-ride monthly cap also not realistic 5.) Fixed income seniors m/b
not "low income" eligibility, but still need to watch budget; may be try 3 -tiers to look at
income, m/b new formula also taking disability into account 6.) Notice of public meetings for
policies and changes need to be better communicated-- NOT just online r paper take-aways
at the Transit Store, but in the paper
furuya, glenn
Synopsis: Proposed fare changes are too high for people who regularly rely on the
service. BBB should look at other ways to subsidize the services like the SM Cost
Recovery Program
I think the proposed fee increase for the Dial a Ride program by BBB is too high for the next
3 years. This will negatively effect low income seniors who are on a fixed income. I have a
handicap neighbor who uses the Dial a Ride program 5-6 times a week. There is a current
Cost Recovery Program in which the SM City subsidizes different programs. One of those
programs is the Santa Monica Community Gardens which currently has a Cost Recovery of
8%. Could a program similar to the SM Cost Recovery program be used to subsidize any
cost overruns for the Dial a Ride program? I feel the fee should not be changed and kept at
its current rate. Glenn Furuya
Gottesman, Judith
Synopsis: Proposed Fares are too high. Encouraged times for out of Santa Monica
trips are impractical. While I realize that changes to MODE might be necessary, there are a couple of issues for
me: 1) The jump from $.50 to $2 per ride is not reasonable, too big a jump. If I have to pay $4
for a RT ride (plus I sometimes give a tip), I will probably just drive, especially within Santa
Monica. 2) To "encourage" rides between 10:00 and 3:00 is meaningless. It also means that,
allowing extra time for the shared rides, appointments would have to be between 11:00 and
2:00. Many doctors' offices are closed for lunch during part of this time. I enrolled in MODE
only a few months ago, since it took a while to get the correct information about orientation
and enrolling. I hope it continues to be a viable choice for me.
Halstensgard, Virginia
Synopsis: Fares should not be increased for low-income seniors. Proposed trip cap is
a huge drop. Dear Big Blue Bus Mode Program Manager, The establishment of Big Blue Bus Mode has
been a godsend for seniors, especially those Low-Income Seniors who are trying to live on
Social Security and cannot afford to own and drive a car. This wonderful program needs to
be preserved especially for Low-Income Seniors who are totally dependent on it. Big Blue
Bus (BBB) mentioned that membership doubled when BBB switched from Dial-A-Ride to
Mode. The reason Mode service doubled compared to Dial-A-Ride is because Dial-A-Ride
was very difficult to impossible to use. Riders had to make reservations six days or less in
advance, and even when calling six days in advance and as soon as the office opened, many
times Dial-A-Ride was already filled to capacity and would not accommodate anymore riders.
Dial-A-Ride just cut people off when they met their limits of service which they met extremely
early. The wealthier seniors would rather drive than have to deal with Dial-A-Ride. But
Mode/Lyft is wonderful because it eliminated all that. Everyone who wants to ride Mode can
get through immediately to Lyft and everyone is serviced, and now all those Well-To-Do
Seniors who have cars, can drive and afford to pay the full Lyft fare, are taking Mode
because it is more convenient and cheaper. BBB should remember that the Well-To-Do
Seniors have cars and can drive, or they can afford the full Lyft fare, whereas Low-Income
Seniors trying to live on Social Security do not have those options, and if the fees are raised
on them, they will not have any means of transportation and will be left in a desperate
situation, unable to go to the doctors, pharmacies or even get groceries. Fares must not be
increased on Low-Income Seniors. They don’t have enough income to get by as it is. I
have updated BBB’s chart shown below to include the most recent drop of service.
Proposed Program Adjustments for Mode Trip Caps Before 2/01/19 Trip Caps as of 02/01/19
Current Proposed Planned Monthly Trip Cap 60 40 36 BBB/Mode Recipients were receiving
60-rides per month until February 1, 2019. So in actuality, BBB/Mode is planning on dropping
the number of rides from 60 to 36 in just a matter of a few months, this is a whopping forty
percent drop. This is a huge drop in rides available and very limiting on those who must
depend on this service. BBB/Mode should not try to recover their expenses by destroying the
ability of Low-Income Seniors being able to use Mode/Lyft. As the old proverb goes, “You
cannot get blood out of a turnip.†You cannot get Low -Income-Seniors to pay from funds
they do not have, and they cannot pay more a year or two later because their purchasing
power due to inflation is less each year—not more! By demanding higher fees from Low-
Income-Seniors who do not have the funds, BBB/Mode will mostly be subsidizing the more
Well-To-Do Seniors who have cars, can drive, can afford to pay the full Lyft fees and can
afford those higher Co-Pay fees to ride Mode/Lyft that are now being proposed and the Low-
Income seniors will be left destitute and without transportation. This would be truly cruel.
Hilton, Richard
Synopsis: Reinstate monthly outings of the previous dial-a-ride system Comments from phone call with Richard Hilton on 4/2/19 at 4:30pm: • 9 ½ years on
disabilities commission; • Currently on housing commission, vice chair; • Recommend
requiring all MODE members be eligible based on medical documentation citing a public
transportation-related disability. This would apply to members over 60 as well; • Does not
agree that current required docs for disability (Access, Disabled TAP card, SSI, or Medicare)
are adequate for proof of disability (“too easy to getâ€); • City should reinstate
monthly outings to Target, Smart and Final, DCRC, etc; • City should reinstate “After-
Hours†taxi rides to city sponsored meetings: city council, commission, neighborhood
councils
ilbagian, Parviz
Synopsis: Offer regular Lyft rides. Do not change appointment times. Increase the
minimum age - Increase the Lyft "shared ride" to $1.50 and offer another category for regular Lyft ride for
$2.50. Adjust future year rates accordingly. - Keep the medical appointment trips the same,
as it is difficult to secure appointments from medical providers within recommended hours. -
Increase the minimum age to 63 as the age of working population is increasing.
KAYTON, PAULA
Synopsis: Offer better bus service. Do not raise fares. One way to have less use of MODE is to get more and better bus service. At meetings I have
heard BBB expects buses to pay for themselves. Many cities and towns now have FREE bus
service. MODE should not be increasing the fares that much. One of the reasons there are
more trips on MODE is because BBB routes and lines have been eliminated or changed.
People move to where they have access to transportation. When you eliminate the line or
change the route they need to use MODE more frequently. For example I was formerly able
to take the #9 to Montana and Lincoln and change to the Montana bus (now 18) to go to
UCLA. Now I either have to walk 3/4 mile to get the 18, take MODE (I needed to wait 45
minutes to get the last one to go there) or take my car. If I wanted to spend between 1 1/2
and 2 1/2 hours, I could take the 9 to downtown Santa Monica and change to the 18 there.
That last situation is unacceptable. Please do not raise the MODE fare to $2.
Kessel, Barbara
Synopsis: No Issues
Can’t attend meeting. No issues
Lane, Jaryl
Synopsis: Opposes fare proposal. Increase age and lower trip cap to reduce fare
increases. UCLA Medical trips before 3 is impractical.
I won't be able to attend the MODE meeting on April 10 because of a Doctor's appointment.
I'm opposed to increasing the MODE/Lyft fares--most of us who are disabled or over 70 are
on fixed incomes and either can't drive much or can't afford the parking fees in Santa Monica,
especially at the medical buildings. But I do think it is reasonable to increase the minimum
age, even up to 65. A cap on the number of rides would be better than a fee increase, but
maybe we could roll over unused rides from month to month. And it is very difficult to control
the times of appointments at the UCLA Medical Center, especially if appointments run long
and it is after 3:00 PM when you need to return to Santa Monica.
Synopsis: Raise the age to 65. Fare proposal is too high. No problem reducing trip
cap. Medical appointment times are challenging. Summary of attached letter: Customer is suggesting raising the qualifying age to 65 keeping
the program accessible to the seniors in their 70s and 80s who do not drive much. "Many
people under 65 are still working and not on fixed incomes." Customer also states that the
fare increases are too high. He suggests that raising the fee from $0.50 to $1.00 would still
keep the program affordable and still ease the parking congestion in Santa Monica. He does
not have a problem with reducing the number of rides; just remember it takes two rides to get
to and from a medical appointment. He also mentioned that "one does not always have a lot
of choice about the time of medical appointments."
Lanes, Gretchen
Synopsis: Encouraged medical appointment times are not practical.
I just missed the mode meeting at the library. I think it’s a bad idea for Lyft rides going to
doctor’s appointments start at 10. That would make doctor’s appointments at noon
or later. Bad idea with all the traffic in this area. I will take the time to write a letter as well
Gretchen Lanes
Lawson, Larry
Synopsis: Proposed fare changes are too high. Look for alternative funding.
Encouraged medical appointment times are not practical.
Quadrupling the fare seems like a big jump. I think alternative funding sources rather than a
steep fare increase should be examined to allow for impact assessment and personal budget
adjustments. My other concern is that the medical appointments change will represent a
significant inconvenience if I/we try to comply. One must allow an hour each way to Kaiser-
Cadillac if Lyft wait time and traffic are considered. Appointments can take an hour or more
with wait times. Being home by 3:00 means leaving Kaiser by 2:00 and entering the
appointment by 12:30. Calling a ride at 10 means arriving at Kaiser at 11:00. So the possible
appointment times are 11:00 - 12:30, part of which is the lunch hour so Kaiser staffing is
decreased. I just don't think compliance is feasible for most people most days. This part of
the proposed policy needs a second look.
Lerer, Elizabeth
Synopsis: How is MODE funded?
1. How is MODE funded? 2. Which specific taxes go towards subsidizing this program?
3. When and where are the public meetings regarding the increase in MODE fares?
Synopsis: More public comment
INCIDENT SUMMARY Feels here should be more public comment regarding the proposed
changes for MODE. BBB should be made better with more lines.
Synopsis: Proposed fare changes is too high. Need better information on public
meetings Customer left the following comment on Facebook: Hope people are paying attention... We
must protect and encourage better public transportation and NOT allow the greedy
privatizers to take-over our cities' services. This will go before the City Council June 25th.
MODE is a senior citizen 'mobility' program (partially funded by our tax dollars) that is raising
fares for folks who cannot afford it. Jumping from $0.50 a ride to $2.00 - that is a massive
increase. MODE uses Lyft drivers... Our taxes are going to a private company that abuses its
workforce. Meanwhile Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus service is being reduced, making it
harder and harder for Santa Monica residents to get around. The City of Santa Monica Big
Blue Bus and the City of Santa Monica Government make it difficult to find information
regarding public meetings about changes to public transportation and fare increases.
When are the public meetings regarding MODE?
Lynch, Deborah
Synopsis: Proposed fare changes are too high. Opposes trip cap change. Request for
more hours on weekends Increasing rates from the current .50 per ride to even.75 is not really acceptable. What you
are saying is that as seniors get older, they will be charged more for mobility and this is the
opposite direction that their available funds move in! Also, signing up for MODE was
supposed to take the place of the service afforded by the Ken Edwards center and now that
you know that seniors want and will use the service, you should not capitalize on that and
continue raising the rates. Doing so will cause many of us to demand that Ken Edwards
reinstate their mobility service. Decreasing the number of allowable rides by mode is also a
hardship. While most of us do not need the full 40 rides allowed per month, (which averages
out to 10 rides per week) it is nice to know that they are there in case the additional rides are
needed. If I decide to use MODE to get to and from my Silver Sneakers sessions, and
therapy appointments which I will be starting soon, I will very quickly run out of allowable
rides for the month and have none left for shopping, etc.! I was actually going to request that
we increase the monthly allotment of rides just for the needed exercise for my back! (Please
know that using BBB to get to and from these sessions is not really an option....there are no
buses to take me directly to these gym locations and some would require me to transfer at
least once to get there....obviously time consuming and tiring. By the time I get there, I would
be too tired to use the facilities!!!). Also, most seniors/disabled folks have access to
transportation for medical appointments, etc. through their medical insurance. At NO COST.
Mode is just a good back up to this service should you not have enough time to make an
appointment through the Medical service. It would also be nice to have extended service
hours for MODE on Saturdays, if not on Sunday! Trying to make sure I can get home by 3:30
p.m. on Saturdays without paying full price for Lyft is just ridiculous! I am not Cinderella so
please extend the hours for Saturday! Also, of late, I have noticed that when I call for
scheduling a ride on my cellphone's app, the app state's that the driver will be picking me up
in 1 minute! (Almost impossible!) But then, the driver takes longer or, worse, decides he/she
cannot make it, and then I am assigned another driver, and left waiting outside for way longer
than necessary. Please speak with Lyft about HONESTY in their apps and drivers. I could
not be outside within 1 minute one time and the driver took off before I could get to the pick
up place (about 1/2 a block from where my apartment actually is.) Had to go thru customer
support to get the $5 "no show" fee removed! No body can answer a call for service in less
than a minute unless you are out on the street, shopping.... but not at home. I am going to try
and show up for the meeting as I have other items I think are important, but wanted to make
sure you had the primary points of contention that needed to be addressed.....thank you.
Deborah Lynch Regular Mode Rider
michaelson, ruth
Synopsis: Proposed fare changes are too high Based on letter mailed in by customer: Att: MODE program manager No one would ever ask
for a quadruple amount rais in salary, or anything else... It would totally be unrealistic. Even
V.P. Pense got only a 5% raise. What you're proposing is way out of line. Even simply
doubling the current amount is substantial. You MUST rethink this outlandish proposal, and
come up with a more realistic percentage of increase. Ruth Michaelson
Synopsis: Proposed fare changes are too high.
The proposed increases in MODE are outrageous. Must be more gradual. Start Jan 1 2020
charge $1.00. Then Jan 2021 $1.50 Then 2022 $2.00 You will make liars out of some users
by forcing them to say low income. Tips will decrease, then Lyft will opt out altogether.
Newman, Rhoda
Synopsis: Opposes proposed fare change
Gentlemen:
I attended the Mode Adjustment Hearings held at the Santa Monica Public Library on April
10, 2019.
I agree that the proposed First Phase Fare Change for MODE from the present $.50 per
shared ride to $2.00 per shared ride in September 2019 is excessive.
May I suggest taht you instead make the First Phase Fare Change in September 2019 for
$2.00 or even $3.00 only when the passenger requests the driver to put parcels or a cart in
the trunk to be delivered to the passenger's destination.
I would appreciate receiving an acknowledgment of this letter.
Sincerely,
Rhoda Newman
Ober-Brown, Sheila
Synopsis: Encouraged medical appointment times are not practical. Proposed fare
changes are too high. INCIDENT SUMMARY Complaints regarding MODE proposed changes regarding proposed
changes to "Medical Appointment Trips outside of Santa Monica" Now-- Trips can be taken
any time during service hours. Proposal is to Encourage weekday trips to be taken between
10am and 3pm. Ms. Ober Brown states: The proposed changes are not fair or workable,
especially for senior VETS who need to go to the VA 1.) VA Hospital clinic appointments are
set times (730-11 for ams and 2-5 for pms-- clients are lucky to get finished before 6pm). For
blood/lab work, if a patient comes after 7:30, there is a very long wait. Right now, MODE
doesn’t allow rides before 8am, which is problematic, but if the hours are restricted, it will
be a hardship 2.) BBB eliminated the #4, and the #2 only goes to Bonsall and Wilshire- very
difficult esp b/c of the hill up to the bus stop from the hospital and esp for seniors and
disabled VETS—MODE is one of the only solutions left 3.) $0.50 fare to $2.00 is quite a
large raise, esp for these on a fixed income
Palazzolo, Joseph
Synopsis: Need more information to comment Customer wrote: To Whom it May Concern: While I am an active MODE member I did not
receive the email providing notice of the proposed changes to MODE. Forturnately a friend
forwarded her email to me. The email states that the ridership numbers has doubled since
the implementation of the LYFT option. How in the world could that not have been
unanticipated? The only surprise to me is that the ridership numbers are not greater than
they are. In order to intelligently evaluate the changes as related via the link contained in the
email I would like to receive the following information relative to the use of MODE. 1. Monthly
average number of trips taken by all MODE members via LYFT. 2. Percentage reduction in
monthly average number of trips taken by all MODE members via LYFT after "Shared"
service initiated. 3. Monthly average number of trips taken by age via LYFT. 4. Monthly
average number of trips taken to Medical facilities outside of Santa Monica via LYFT. 5.
Average Program cost incurred per trip within Santa Monica via LYFT. 6. Average Program
coast incurred per trip to/from locations outside Santa Monica via LYFT. You may email the
answers to me at jpal@rpgla.com
Saber, Mary
Synopsis: Accept all changes
Thank you for MODE. Agree and accept proposed changes. It is a great program. Disabled
and 60 years, Mary S. Thank you!
Shanley, Ruthann
Synopsis: Proposed fare changes are too high I find it disgusting that they want to RAISE the trip fair from 50cents to $2.00 SHAME ON
THE CITY. This city keeps TAKING AWAY from seniors their ability to get around. Srs. on
social security ONLY do NOT always get increases on a yearly basis, yet the Big Blue Bus
and this city seem to think it is OK to raise the cost. Charge OTHERS that have paychecks
coming in more, not the seniors.
Showrai, Atiyeh
Synopsis: Encouraged medical appointment times are not practical.
One of the proposed program changes is to "encourage" medical appointment trips outside of
Santa Monica to take place between 10 and 3. My parents-in-law sometimes have
appointment at the Westwood Medical Plaza and their appointments are often scheduled at 9
or 10am, which means they would need to leave Santa Monica well before the "encouraged"
time. I understand the "encouragement" but I hope that the new program will still provide for
trips before 10am.
Spata, Mary
Synopsis: Reduce cap for lower fares.
We hope you don't make it prohibitively expensive but it would not be a problem if you
reduced the number of rides per month further.
Steiner, Louise
Synopsis: Opposes proposed changes. From: oodfay48@gmail.com Sent: Friday, April 19, 2019 1:54 PM To: BBB Mailbox Subject:
MODE: Don’t Downgrade Success! - SM Mirror This article says it all. Everything Pat
Becker wrote is what pretty much what all seniors I know including myself feel about the
proposed changes. https://smmirror.com/2019/04/mode-dont-downgrade-success/
Stewart, Kathleen
Synopsis: More info on low income proposal I was wondering what are the income limits for low income with the new proposal?
Tarbet, Michael
Synopsis: Proposed fares changes are too high. Encourage medical appointment
times are impractical Your proposed changes to MODE are too much, too fast. Why would you go from zero to
2.50 in two years for low income. What if a poor person has to go to the doctor 15 times there
and 15 times back for chemo. That's pretty expensive, maybe beyond the ability to pay. Let's
say the can still get up to go to the store two times. That is not how we want to treat Santa
Monicans. And the time constraints you propose: what if the appointmenta are at 3pm for an
hour and a half. What is this weary soul going to do at 4:30? From UCLA. Any ideas? By the
way, I was on your MODE program and used it only twice. But I was not contacted for my
input on these changes. Just heard about it yesterday in a local newspaper. So what is going
on with asking for public input.
Umano, Georja
Synopsis: Keep service without changes
Please continue the senior bus services without new limitations and fare hikes Georja Umano
Jones 36 year resident of Santa MonicaPlease continue the senior bus services without new
limitations and fare hikes Georja Umano Jones 36 year resident of Santa Monica
Wade, Robin
Synopsis: Encouraged medical appointment times are impractical. Concerned about
the fare change and low income guidelines. I have appointments at UCLA that most of the time can’t be changed to your proposed
hours until 3:00 pm. I have to fit into the doctor’s schedule to the best I can and your time
change would not give me a ride home. I am also concerned about your price change and
guidelines. What are the low income guidelines in dollars exactly?
Synopsis: Proposed fare change is too high. Encourage medical appointment times
are impractical. Expand service to Target, other destinations.
I am requesting a clarification on your proposed income guidelines for the proposed increase
in fares for using ModeLyft rides exactly. What are the income guidelines exactly for low
income and the rest. I can not always use Mode before 3pm going to my appointment outside
of Santa Monica to UCLA. This would not give me a ride home. I would appreciate if you
would consider having trips to Target or other places where we went monthly as a group. As
this was a great way to meet people and share time. Proposed increases from.50 to $2 is an
increase of 300% way to much for me. Can you please fix your GPS as it does not always
pick you up at the correct address and does have my address on your GPS and I have lived
here for 41 years. I stand in the front and have to give my neighbor’s address
Weller, Kecia
Synopsis: Proposed fare change is too high. Encourage medical appointment times
are impractical. I am totally against all of the proposed MODE changes in September 2019 because if the
MODE transportation goes from $.50 to $2 for each Lyft ride, I can no longer ride the Lift
because of budget concerns! Also, if the MODE transportation changes the hours from 8 am
to 6 pm on Monday thru Friday to 10 am to 3 pm on Monday thru Friday that would really
suck because most of my medical appointments are in the later hours of the day! Please
consider the hardships that the BBB is causing riders of MODE if the BBB implements all four
proposed changes to the MODE transportation program!
Ying, Fuhua
Synopsis: More info on low income proposal Q1: where to verify low income status? Q2: how to verify low income status for an ACCESS
card holder ( with low income and without TAP card )?
Zeiger, Arthur
Synopsis: Proposed fare changes are too high. Other changes are reasonable.
i am a mode user.At the age of 89 mode allowed me to give up my car while retaining some
mobility within the covered area.While i can understand the need for some some changes
due to more than anticipated usage, it seems to me a 300 percent increase in the charge per
ride is excessive.Rather than $2:00,2:50&3:50,I suggest smaller increments e.g.to
$1:00,1:50&2:00. The other suggested changes seem reasonable to me. Arthut Zeiger
mode#9644
Attachment B: Fares for local dial-a-ride programs in Los Angeles County
City One Way Dial-A-Ride Fare
Culver City $0.50
Los Angeles $2.00 to $4.00
Pasadena $0.75
Torrance $1.00
Beverly Hills Free
West Hollywood Free
El Segundo $5.00
Glendale $1.50
Redondo & Hermosa Beach $0.75 to $1.00
1
Big Blue Bus MODE Program
Title VI Equity Analysis
AnAnaAnalysisAnalysis
May 2019
2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Purpose ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Background ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Existing Fare Structure & Enrollment Criteria ............................................................................................... 5
Proposed Fare Structure Changes ................................................................................................................ 5
Methodology ................................................................................................................................................. 6
Data Sources ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Definitions ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Title VI Policies ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Fare Equity Disparate Impact Policy: ................................................................................................... 7
Fare Equity Disproportionate Burden Policy: ...................................................................................... 8
Fare Equity Analysis ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Disparate Impact Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 8
Disparate Impact Findings........................................................................................................................ 8
Fare Structure Changes ........................................................................................................................ 8
Trip Cap ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Enrollment Age ................................................................................................................................... 10
Disproportionate Burden Analysis......................................................................................................... 10
Disproportionate Burden Finding .......................................................................................................... 11
Fare Structure Changes ...................................................................................................................... 11
Trip Cap ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Enrollment Age ................................................................................................................................... 12
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................... 13
3
Purpose
Big Blue Bus (BBB) is proposing a series of changes to the Mobility On-Demand Every Day (MODE) program
with the aim of making the program fiscally and operationally sustainable for years to come while ensuring
the program preserves mobility for the City’s low-income seniors and residents with disabilities. To
achieve these goals, BBB is proposing a series of changes to the fare structure, trip cap, and enrollment
criteria for MODE members. The first stage will increase the standard MODE fare while introducing a
discounted low-income fare category, eliminate the additional fare for personal care attendants,
introduce a 30-ride monthly trip cap, and increase the minimum enrollment age for new members. The
second and third stages will introduce additional fare increases. These fare changes will help MODE
become financially sustainable while ensuring that MODE continues to serve as many of the City’s
residents as possible.
The proposed fare change is subject to a fare equity analysis as defined by BBB’s Major Service and Fare
Change Policy. The fare equity analysis is required to ensure compliance with the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) Title VI regulations as defined by FTA Circular 4702.1B. The purpose of this analysis
is to determine whether the proposed changes will result in a disparate impact on the basis of race,
ethnicity, or national origin, or a disproportionate burden on the low-income population.
Executive Summary
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin
in any program or activity that receives Federal funds or other Federal financial assistance. In compliance
with this law, Big Blue Bus has conducted a Title VI analysis on the proposed changes to the MODE
program. This analysis has found that the revised fare structure and enrollment criteria do not result in
an adverse disparate impact on the minority population or an adverse disproportionate burden on the
low-income population.
Background
The City of Santa Monica has long provided contracted dial-a-ride transit service for its seniors and
residents with disabilities. To be eligible for the dial-a-ride service, an individual must be a City of Santa
Monica resident and either 60 years or older or between the ages of 18 and 59 with a disability. BBB
provides overall management of the dial-a-ride system, which includes quality control, auditing, and
contractor oversight.
Recent innovations in the transportation market caused staff to consider fundamental changes to the
service model. The development of smartphone apps and computerized reservations has created the
opportunity for reduced call center costs, and automated, algorithm-driven dispatching has eliminated
the need for advanced reservations and allowed for real time service delivery. Transportation Network
Companies (TNCs, including companies such as Uber and Lyft) have increased efficiencies as fleets can be
quickly increased or decreased in response to changes in demand. Staff research concluded that a number
4
of organizations could offer customer-centric, operationally-efficient demand responsive dial-a-ride
services.
In November 2017, City Council awarded Lyft the contract to provide on-demand transportation for the
dial-a-ride program. BBB rebranded the dial-a-ride program to Mobility On-Demand Every Day (MODE).
MODE was structured to include on-demand transportation provided by Lyft and wheelchair accessible
transportation operated by MV transportation. MODE service launched in July 2018 and dial-a-ride
ridership immediately increased. By September 2018, monthly ridership surpassed 4,000 trips, double the
monthly average under the former dial-a-ride system.
Figure 1: Dial-a-Ride/MODE Trips per Month
5
Existing Fare Structure & Enrollment Criteria
Currently, the MODE program is restricted to residents of the city of Santa Monica aged 60 or older or
between the ages of 18 and 59 with a disability. At the present, 1,684 people are enrolled in MODE (double
the initial membership from July 2018).
Figure 2: MODE Membership by Month
All MODE members pay $0.50 per trip taken. If personal care attendant or companion accompanies the
MODE customer during their trip, then the customer is charged an additional $0.25. Currently, each MODE
participant is allowed to take up to 40 trips per month.
Proposed Fare Structure Changes
BBB is proposing three stages of changes. The first stage (from September 2019 to December 2020) will
raise the base fare to $1.50 per trip, introduce a low-income fare category (discounted to $0.75), and
eliminate the additional fare for a personal care attendant or companion. The second stage (from January
2021 to December 2021) will increase the base fare to $2.00 per trip and the low-income fare to $1.00.
The final stage (to be implemented January 2022) will raise the base fare to $2.50 and the low -income
fare to $1.25.
6
Proposed 3-Phase Fare Change
Current Sep 2019 – Dec
2020
Jan 2021 –
Dec 2021 Jan 2020 -
Regular $0.50 $1.50 $2.00 $2.50
Low-Income* N/A $0.75 $1.00 $1.25
Personal Care Attendant
or Companion $0.25 Free Free Free
*Low-income status verified through enrollment in regional LIFE Program
Figure 3: Proposed MODE Fare Changes
To qualify for low-income fares, a member would have to demonstrate enrollment in the Low-Income
Fares are Easy (LIFE) program. LIFE is a countywide program administered by Metro that provides low-
income individuals in Los Angeles County discounts on monthly transit passes on 12 local transit systems,
including Metro and the Big Blue Bus. Starting in July 2019, LIFE-enrolled individuals will have the option
of taking the discount on transit passes or receiving 20 free monthly bus and/or rail trips.
Figure 4: LIFE Annual Income Enrollment Criteria
Currently, monthly trips on MODE are capped at 40 trips per month. Seniors must be 60 years or older to
qualify for MODE. After the September 2019 change, the monthly trip cap will be reduced to 30 trips.
Additionally, the age minimum for eligible seniors to join the MODE program will increase to 65 years of
age.
Proposed Program Changes
Current Sep 2019
Monthly Trip Cap 40 trips 30 trips
Enrollment Age 60 Senior
18 Disability
65 Senior
18 Disability
Figure 5: Proposed Trip Cap and Enrollment Age Changes
Methodology
Data Sources
The equity analysis was completed using demographic information of MODE members and monthly
ridership data from January, February, and March 2019. MODE members were asked to voluntarily
provide the following information when they enrolled in the program:
LIFE Annual Income Limits
Household size Annual income
1 $33,950 or less
2 $38,800 or less
3 $43,650 or less
4 $48,450 or less
7
• Race/ethnicity
• Total monthly household income
• Date of birth
Additionally, for each month, BBB tracks the total number of MODE trips taken per member (though much
of that data is anonymized and cannot be linked to the member’s race/ethnicity or income). However,
BBB has no data on whether MODE members are accompanied by a personal care attendant (and pay an
additional fee).
MODE member demographics were compared with the total number of trips taken per month to
determine the impacts of the policies below. The resulting comparison established if minority or low-
income MODE members were more, or less likely, to be affected by the changes to the fare structure and
enrollment criteria.
Definitions
In performing the fare equity analysis, minority riders have been defined as customers who self-identified
as any race/ethnicity other than white alone. Low-income riders have been defined as respondents who
completed the income question and listed a household income that was less than $38,800 per year.
The income threshold for this analysis was established using the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development’s 2018 Adjusted Home Income Limits for Los Angeles County at the “Very Low Income”
level. The two persons per household threshold was used as the income level standard that defined the
low-income population. The Adjusted Home Income Limits are the same guidelines that qualify members
for the LIFE program.
2018 Adjusted Home Income Limits
Persons per
Household Annual Income
1 $33,950 or below
2 $38,800 or below
3 $43,650 or below
4 $48,450 or below
5 $52,350 or below
6 $56,250 or below
Figure 6: 2018 Adjusted Home Income Limits
Title VI Policies
As required by the FTA Title VI regulations, the public was engaged in the development of BBB’s disparate
impact and disproportionate burden policies. These two policies determine if the revised fare structure
will result in a disparate impact or disproportionate burden.
Fare Equity Disparate Impact Policy:
“A disparate impact occurs when the percentage minority population adversely impacted by a major
service change or fare change is fifteen percent (15%) higher than the average minority population of the
8
Big Blue Bus service area, or when the percentage non-minority population beneficially impacted by a
major service change or fare change is fifteen percent (15%) higher than the average non-minority
population of the Big Blue Bus service area.” (BBB Title VI Standard and Policies, Pg. 9)
Fare Equity Disproportionate Burden Policy:
“A disproportionate burden occurs when the percentage low-income population adversely impacted by a
major service change or fare change is fifteen percent (15%) higher than the average low-income
population of the Big Blue Bus service area, or when the percentage non-low-income population
beneficially impacted by a major service change or fare change is fifteen percent (15%) higher than the
average non-low-income population of the Big Blue Bus service area.” (BBB Title VI Standards and Policies,
Pg. 9)
Fare Equity Analysis
Disparate Impact Analysis
1,557 MODE customers disclosed their race/ethnicity. 19% of those respondents identified as minority
riders (i.e. any race other than white alone). About one out of every five registered MODE users is a
minority.
Figure 7: Current Race/Ethnicity of MODE Members
Disparate Impact Findings
Fare Structure Changes
Currently, all MODE riders pay a single flat fare per trip. Under the current proposal, fares for all riders
will increase to $1.75 and low-income riders would qualify for reduced fares. Currently, 77 percent of non-
minority enrollees would qualify for the low-income fare compared to 84 percent of minority enrollees.
Minority enrollees are therefore 7 percent more likely to be low income and to qualify for a reduced fare.
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
White
(Non Hispanic)
Minority
Percent of Total Riders
Race/Ethnicity of MODE Enrollees
9
Based on the 15% threshold set in the Disparate Impact Policy, minority riders would not experience a
disparate impact as a result of the revised fare structure.
Figure 8: MODE Members Eligible for Low-Income Fare by Race
Trip Cap
The trip cap would limit MODE
customers to 30 trips per month.
Between January and March 2019, at
no point did more than 5% of active
users take more than 30 trips per
month. In January, 5% of active users
took more than 30 trips; in February,
4%; in March, 5%. At the present,
there is no data available on whether
active users who take more than 30
trips per month are minorities or not.
However, as the trip cap would only
affect at most 5% of all active users,
it could not surpass the 15%
threshold set in the Disparate Impact
Policy. Therefore, minority riders
would not experience a disparate
impact as a result of the revised trip
cap.
Figure 9: MODE Members Subject to Proposed Trip Cap
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
Low Income
(Eligible for
Reduced Fare)
Non-Low
Income
Income of MODE Members
by Race/Ethnicity
Minority White
(Non-Hispanic)
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
Jan Feb Mar
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
A
c
t
i
v
e
U
s
e
r
s
Total Monthly Trips
by Active MODE Users
More than
30 Trips
(Subject to Cap)
Less than
30 Trips
10
Enrollment Age
Under the proposed changes, the MODE enrollment age for seniors would increase from 60 to 65 years
old. Currently, 9% of minority participants are between the ages of 60 and 64, whereas 7% of non-minority
participants are between the ages of 60 and 64. Minority participants are therefore 2% more likely to be
between the ages of 60 to 65 years old. Presuming that minority and non-minority seniors continued to
enroll at the same rates, based on the 15% threshold set in the Disparate Impact Policy, minority riders
would not experience a disparate impact as a result of the revised enrollment criteria.
Figure 10: MODE Members Subject to Age Minimum by Race
Disproportionate Burden Analysis
1,574 respondents disclosed their household income. 79% of those respondents identified as low-income
(i.e. earned less than $38,800 in total annual household income). Per these results, four out of every five
MODE members is low-income.
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%
Less than $25,000
$25,000 to $38,800
$38,801 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 or More
Percent of Total Mode Members
Cu
m
u
l
a
t
i
v
e
H
o
u
s
e
h
o
l
d
I
n
c
o
m
e
Income of Mode Members
(March 2019 Membership)
Low Income
0%20%40%60%80%100%
60 to 64
65 or older
Age of Senior MODE Members
by Race/Ethnicity
Minority White
11
Figure 11: MODE Membership by Income
Disproportionate Burden Finding
Fare Structure Changes
Currently, all MODE riders pay a single flat fare per trip. Under the current proposal, fares for all riders
will increase to $1.50 and low-income riders would qualify for reduced fares. Currently, 79 percent of
MODE members are low-income and could qualify for a reduced fare. Based on the 15% threshold set in
the Disproportionate Burden Policy, low-income riders would not experience a disproportionate burden
as a result of the revised fare structure.
Figure 12: MODE Members Eligible for Low-Income Fare
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
Low Income
(Eligible for
Reduced Fare)
Non-Low
Income
Percent of Total Riders
MODE Members by Income
12
Trip Cap
The trip cap would limit MODE
customers to 30 trips per month.
Between January and March 2019, at
no point did more than 5% of active
users take more than 30 trips per
month. In January, 5% of active users
took more than 30 trips; in February,
4%; in March, 5%. At the present,
there is no data available on whether
active users who take more than 30
trips per month are low-income or
not. However, as the trip cap would
only affect 5% of active users, it could
not surpass the 15% threshold set in
the Disproportionate Burden Policy.
Therefore, low-income riders would
not experience a disproportionate
burden as a result of the revised trip
cap.
Figure 13: MODE Members Subject to Proposed Trip Cap
Enrollment Age
Under the proposed changes, the MODE enrollment age seniors would increase from 60 to 65 years old.
Currently, 8% of low-income members are between the ages of 60 and 64, whereas 6% of non-low-income
members are between the ages of 60 and 64. Low-income participants are therefore 2% more likely to be
between the ages of 60 to 65 years old. If low-income seniors continue to enroll in MODE at the same
rates, based on the 15% threshold set in the Disproportionate Burden Policy, low-income riders would not
experience a disproportionate burden as a result of the revised enrollment criteria.
Figure 14: MODE Seniors Subject to Age Minimum by Income
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
Jan Feb Mar
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
A
c
t
i
v
e
U
s
e
r
s
Total Monthly Trips
by Active MODE Users
More than
30 Trips
(Subject to Cap)
Less than
30 Trips
0%20%40%60%80%100%
60 to 64
65 or older
Age of Senior MODE Participants
by Income
Low Income Non-Low Income
13
Conclusion
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin
in any program or activity that receives Federal funds or other Federal financial assistance. In compliance
with this law, Big Blue Bus has conducted a Title VI analysis on the proposed changes to the fare structure
and enrollment criteria for the MODE program. This analysis has found that the proposed changes do not
result in an adverse disparate impact on the minority population or an adverse disproportionate burden
on the low-income population.
Mobility On-Demand
Every Day:
Creating the Future
Former Dial-A-Ride System
Service Limitations
•6 city-owned vehicles
•100 daily ride capacity
•Advance phone reservations only
•Cash fares only
•Delivered less than 2,000 trips per month
Sustainability
•Budget did not allow for expansion
•$22 per-trip operating cost
MODE: Better, Accessible Service to Riders
Provides nearly every ride requested
Twice as many rides, same budget
City-owned vehicles for members
in wheelchairs
New ways to request rides and pay
No need for advanced reservation
Sustainable service -costs less to run
MODE’s Ridership Continues to Grow
-
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
Dial-A-Ride
MODE
Launched in
July 2018
Although MODE trips cost less, projected
growth will exceed budget
Cost per Trip
$18.69
$20.26
$22.45
$12.06
2016 2017 2018 2019
MODEDial-A-Ride
Budget Projection* / Annual Cost
* Budgets calculated by fiscal year.
Budget:$600,000
$-
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
MODE -ProjectedDial-A-Ride
Dial-A-Ride and MODE fares cover
very little of the cost
Cost Per Trip,
$22.45
Cost Per Trip,
$12.06
% Paid
by Fares
2.2%
% Paid
by Fares
4.1%
$-
$5
$10
$15
$20
$25
Dial-A-Ride MODE
Preserving Mobility for Our
Most Vulnerable Citizens
Ongoing
Travel training and
“Appy Hour” outreach
on Lyft app
October 2018
Added “jump seat”
for personal care
attendants
November 2018
100% shared rides
November 2018
Stakeholder group
engaged
March 2019
40-ride monthly limit
Stakeholders Engaged
Community and Cultural Services
Disabilities Commission
Commission on Senior Community
Planning and Community Development
Big Blue Bus
Overview of Proposed Changes
•Lower fares for low income membersFare Increase
•36 rides (impacts only 2% of subscribers)Monthly Trip Cap
•Increase senior minimum age from 60 to 62Age Requirement
•Companions and PCAs* ride freeCourtesy Rides
•Encourage midday out-of-area trips to
optimize system capacity and travel speedService Efficiencies
*Personal Care Attendants
Income Verification Using LIFE
Regional LIFE Program LIFE Program Income Limits
•Low-income fare program
•Discounts or free rides on
bus & rail
•Income verification
once a year
•LIFE members get
low-income fare on MODE
Household
size Annual income
1 $33,950 or less
2 $38,800 or less
3 $43,650 or less
4 $48,450 or less
Proposed 3-Phase Fare Change
Current Sept.
2019 2020 2021 2022
Regular $0.50 $2.00 $2.00 $2.50 $3.50
Low Income*N/A $0.75 $0.75 $1.00 $1.50
Personal Care
Attendant or
Companion
$0.25 Free Free Free Free
* Low-income status verified through enrollment in regional LIFE Program.
MODE Program Today, and As Proposed
Current Proposed Notes
Monthly Trip
Cap
40 36 98% of members not affected.
Minimum
Age
60 Senior
18 Disabled
62 Senior
18 Disabled
Aligns with regional reduced senior
transit fares.
Companion
Fares
$0.25 No cost One companion or PCA rides free
with MODE member.
Encourages shared rides.
Medical Trips
Out of Santa
Monica
All operating
hours
M-F
10am-3pm
Return by 3pm encouraged, but will
accommodate late appointments.
CALENDAR
April 2019 May 2019 June –Aug. 2019
•April 1 -Disability Commission
•April 3 -Senior TAP Workshop
•April 10 -MODE Public
Hearing
•April 17 -Commission on
Senior Community
•May 1 -Senior TAP Workshop
•May 22 -Senior TAP
Workshop
•LIFE Education & Outreach
•June 25 -Recommend City
Council Approval
•Senior TAP Workshops
•LIFE Education & Outreach
Sept. 2019 –Dec. 2020 January 2021 January 2022
•First Phase Fare Change
•Trip cap & minimum age
change, out of area trip
policy change
•Monthly Senior TAP
Workshops
•LIFE Education & Outreach
•Second Phase Fare Change
•Senior TAP Workshop
•Third Phase Fare Change
•Senior TAP Workshop
Thank you! We Welcome Your Feedback
Write a Letter
Attn: MODE Program Manager
1660 7th St.
Santa Monica 90401
Submit a Santa Monica
Works Ticket
bigbluebus.com/modemeetings
Comment CardSpeaker Card
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Eileen Tunick <eileentunick@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 22, 2019 9:44 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:"City Council 6/25/19 agenda item 8-A"
Dear Council Members,
As a 75 year old resident homeowner for the past 40 years, I am very concerned about raising the MODE Lyft prices.
I would recommend raising the age eligibility to 65 or 70 and lowering the number of round trip rides per month
instead.
I find it unmerited to raise the cost in addition to the above adjustments which would curtail the number of rides and
who has access to
them. Why not explore other sources of income from the city budget for your growing senior community?
If those adjustments prove insufficient after a reasonable trial period, then open the matter once again to your senior
community for
their input in a special meeting scheduled for just those members to whom these changes apply directly.
A detailed reminder with the relevant background included would be much appreciated as advanced notice.
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.
Sincerely, Eileen Tunick
1639 Sunset Ave.
Santa Monica 90405
Item 8-A
06/25/19
1 of 6 Item 8-A
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Vernice Hankins
From:lindap_a@verizon.net
Sent:Monday, June 24, 2019 12:30 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:MODE transportation service - item for your June 25 meeting
Dear Council,
I see that there is an item regarding the MODE transportation service on your agenda for June 25, tomorrow.
Part of the staff recommendation calls for a 90 day freeze on enrollments.
Please, please, do NOT freeze enrollments!
As the staff report discusses, the MODE service is hugely popular and much needed for seniors in our city.
A few months ago I started the application process so that I could have some help taking my husband to dialysis
treatment sessions, which are four days a week now.
He is wheelchair bound now and needs door through door service to ensure his safety.
That process has been interrupted by his hospitalizations and also I feel the website is not clear in its instructions on how
to apply, also causing some delays in my application.
I am sure I am not alone and many others need this service. So, please, do not make those of us who need it wait three
more months to get it.
Please figure out a way to continue enrollments as you transition to a more sustainable way of operating.
Thank you,
Linda Piera-Avila
1424 12th St., Apt. E
90401
Item 8-A
06/25/19
2 of 6 Item 8-A
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, June 25, 2019 8:44 AM
To:City Council Distribution Group
Cc:councilmtgitems; Rick Cole; Katie E. Lichtig; Ed King
Subject:FW: Council meeting 26 June 2019 Agenda Item 8 MODE
Council‐
Please see the below regarding MODE.
Thanks,
Stephanie
From: jim gerstley [mailto:jimggers@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, June 21, 2019 2:04 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Council meeting 26 June 2019 Agenda Item 8 MODE
This is a great program for seniors and the physically challenged. I understand the need for change
for financial reasons
I hope the fare can be kept the same. Though where 2 people travel together, maybe an option if the
2nd person paid a reduced [$0.25-$0.50] fare for shared rides within the specified
day/time/geographical window.
One option being proposed which I don't understand is making this only a SHARED RIDE program.
A] does the city underwrite the regular LYFT [non-shared] rides too? Because there are instances
when time is of the essence and I'm willing to pay the regular LYFT fare. [for example: getting to the
Senior Center in time for their trips which leave early in the morning].
B] Currently, outside of the specified day/time/geographical $0.50 zone, what is the advantage to the
city whether riders specify SHARED LYFT or REGULAR LYFT, when higher fares apply? Because
sometimes REGULAR LYFT is more practical 1] if more than 2 riders in a group, 2] going to special
events such as weddings etc, catching public transportation [train, plane].
C] How does ONLY SHARED RIDE option impact trip length-of-time when no additional rider shows
up on the driver's screen when 1 or 2 others want to travel? Would there be a maximum wait time for
a 3rd or 4th rider?
D] The LYFT program would be more efficient in terms of what a given driver can accomplish if more
accurate instructions were given to the driver by his APP. For example, I live on 3rd St, yet the driver
is invariably directed to the alley between 2nd and 3rd, wasting his time and fuel and impacting his
income.
E] The LYFT program would be safer for all, I believe, if the drivers were directed by their APPS to
cross major streets [Wilshire, Santa Monica Blvd etc] where there are signals.
Item 8-A
06/25/19
5 of 6 Item 8-A
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Thanks for your time
Jim Gerstley
90403
Item 8-A
06/25/19
6 of 6 Item 8-A
06/25/19
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, June 25, 2019 3:51 PM
To:City Council Distribution Group
Cc:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: Mode/Llyft price Hikes
Council‐
Please see the below regarding MODE.
Thanks,
Stephanie
From: Kathy Knight [mailto:kathyknight66@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2019 2:15 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Mode/Llyft price Hikes
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
TO: The Santa Monica City Council
FROM: Kathy Knight and Joe Faris, Santa Monica Residents
RE: Ordinances a.
Ordinances a.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council approve proposed changes to the
Mobility On Demand Every Day (MODE) program, which includes the
implementation of a two-tiered fare restructuring phased over a three-year period,
introduction of a low-income fare, a lower cap on monthly trips per member, an
increase in the enrollment age for seniors, and a temporary 90-day freeze on
enrollment.
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members:
Maybe a raise on the MODE program from 50 cents to 75 cents or $1.00 per ride would be okay, but I have
senior friends that say $1.50 per ride would make it much harder for them to do various errands and get to
doctor appointments. So we request that you not raise the MODE program to $1.50 per ride.
Thank you for your consideration,
Kathy Knight and Joe Faris
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Tom Hall <tomthemaverick@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 25, 2019 4:19 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Santa Monica City Manager's Office; ross@smdp.com
Subject:Changes to MODE
Dear City Council:
I accidentally discovered today that the city Council is considering changes/modifications to the MODE program.
I do not understand why the changes you are considering, we’re not emailed to the small number of MODE users.
The email list is limited, and those of us who use this program deserve to express out opinion on such an important issue
— before you change it.
From what I’ve read the program has become very successful. Maybe too successful.
For that reason, changes to the MODE program, seem to be needed.
I use the Lyft MODE program on a regular basis. I am without a car and the program allows me to easily get to my
physical therapist, acupuncturist, and general practitioner.
This program is the greatest service I’ve received from the city of Santa Monica in the 34 years I’ve lived here.
I fear that as a current user of MODE, and being 61 years of age, that you will cut me and many others from a program
we use regularly.
I will reach out to as many Santa Monica seniors as I can via social media regarding this issue.
I tweet extensively about the City of Santa Monica via my Twitter accounts:
@OurSantaMonica & @TomHall
It is my hope that you can maintain the mode program with some changes, and grandfather in those of us who are
current users.
Please call me with any questions!
Tom Hall
Tom Hall
310/613‐1415
Follow me on Twitter
Let's Connect on Linked In
We can even hook up on Facebook
2
Begin forwarded message:
From: Lindsey Haley <Lindsey.Haley@SMGOV.NET>
Date: June 25, 2019 at 15:52:16 PDT
To: "tomthemaverick@gmail.com" <tomthemaverick@gmail.com>
Subject: MODE Staff Report
councilmtgitems@smgov.net
Big Blue Bus Mobility on
Demand Every Day (MODE)
Program Update s
City of Santa Monica City Council
June 25, 2019
08. Administrative Item
•City has provided Dial-A-Ride (DAR) services since 1983
•Residents 60 years or older; or 18-59 with a disability
•DAR restructured & rebranded as MODE, July 2018
•MODE operated by Ly ft & MV Tra nsportation
•Last Council approved fare change 1997
Background
Program Popularity and Ridership Growth
MODE Projections with No Program Changes
Fiscal Year Projected Cost Projected Trips
FY2018-19 $695,306*57,664
FY2019-20 $981,771*99,317
FY2020-21 $1,358,845*134,714
*Annual program budget $600,000
Stakeholder Group Engagement
Pa rticipants:
•Disabilities Commission
•Commission for the Senior Community
•Community & Cultural Services
•Planning & Community Development (Mobility)
•Big Blue Bus
Stakeholder Group Feedback
Re commendations from Stakeholder group:
•Change all trips to shared-rides and transition more MODE
trips to Lyft to reduce costs
•Cap the number of monthly trips members can take
•Introduce a low-income fare category while ke eping fares
simple
•Raise fares incrementally over the next three fiscal years
•Raise the qualifying age from 60 to 62 or 65
Public Engagement
Staff drafted proposed changes & re ceived feedback via:
•April 10, 2019 Public Hearing
•Presentation to Disabilities Commission
•Presentation to Commission for the Senior Community
•Additional comments received online, phone, & by mail
•66 community members made comment
Fe edback Regarding Original Proposal
Summary:
The proposed regular fares are too high. Suggestions
included lowering the trip cap per person and raising the
age requirement for seniors, if doing so meant fares
could stay low.
Re commended Changes
Based upon community & sta ke holder feedback,
staff proposes changes to the fare and program structure
that ensure MODE’s financial & operational sustainability,
while remaining sensitive to the input of its members. Staff
is also exploring additional grant funding for the program.
These recommendations diffe r significantly from those
presented during the public engagement process.
1: Three-Phase Fare Change Recommendation
Rider Ty pe Current Sep 2019 -
Dec 2020
Jan 2021 -
Dec 2021
Jan 2022 -
Ongoing
Regular $0.50 $1.50 $2.00 $2.50
Low-Income*N/A $0.75 $1.00 $1.25
Personal care
attendant, friend, or
companion
$0.25 Free Free Free
*Status verified through enrollment in regional LIFE (Low-Income Fare is Easy) Program.
2: Program Change Recommendations
Current Sep 2019 -Ongoing
Monthly Trip Cap 40 30
Minimum Age 60 Senior
18 Disability
65 Senior*
18 Disability
Medical Trips All Operating Hours All Operating Hours
(10am-3pm encouraged)
Enrollment Continuous 90-day enrollment freeze (begin Aug
2019), then continuous
*Current members under 65 not impacted
Re commended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council approve proposed changes
to the Mobility On Demand Every Day (MODE)program.
•Implementation of a 2-tiered fare restructure phased over 3 years
•Introduction of a low-income fare
•Lower cap on monthly trips per member
•Increase the enrollment age for seniors to 65
•A temporary 90-day freeze on enrollment