SR 09-14-2021 13B 13.B
September 14, 2021
Council Meeting: September 14, 2021 Santa Monica, California
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CITY CLERK’S OFFICE - MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk, Records & Elections Services
Department
Date: September 14, 2021
13.B Request of Councilmembers Brock and de la Torre that Council direct the
City Manager to require that the Big Blue Bus either restore the acceptance
of cash payments on each Big Blue Bus or develop a method for members
of the public to buy TAP cards at convenient locations throughout Santa
Monica.
13.B
Packet Pg. 223
Background
On July 12, 2021, Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus removed the ability to pay by cash on
their buses. This was done in order to promote contactless payment due to the
pandemic. However, this decision has negatively affected the community that rides the
bus. By not being able to pay in cash, the bus becomes inconvenient to ride and
discriminates against people experiencing homelessness as well as low-income,
disabled, and elderly people in the community. It is obvious that if you cannot travel to
the Big Blue Bus store by foot, car, or bicycle, and/or do not possess a credit card it is
now impossible to ride our municipal bus line. In order to make riding the bus equitable
once again, the city council needs to either 1) reintroduce cash payment to the Big Blue
Bus system and/or 2) make using and getting TAP cards more convenient by adding
more locations around the city to acquire and recharge TAP cards. This 13 item was co-
written by Santa Monica High School student Olivia Landon.
13.B.a
Packet Pg. 224 Attachment: Background to restore cash payments on BBB (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Tricia Crane <1triciacrane@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, September 13, 2021 11:38 AM
To:councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre;
Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; John Jalili; Clerk Mailbox; Denise Anderson-Warren
Subject:Support for 13-B City Council Agenda Sept. 14, 2021
EXTERNAL
To: Santa Monica City Council and City Manager
From: The Board of Northeast Neighbors
Re: Agenda Item 13-B, Sept. 14, 2021
Dear Mayor Himmelrich, Council members and City Manager,
We support the proposal in Agenda Item 13-B to restore the acceptance of cash for fares on the Big
Blue Bus. Continuing the use of cash as an option will benefit many, including older riders, the poor,
tourists and all who only occasionally travel by bus.
We thank Council members Brock and de La Torre for agendizing this item and congratulate Santa
Monica High School student Olivia Landon for bringing this issue to their attention first in writing, and
then again by speaking in Public Comment.
Olivia Landon is a model of effective community activism. Bravo!
The Board of Northeast Neighbors
City Clerk - Please include this letter in the Public Record for Agenda Item 13-B, Council meeting of
Sept. 14, 2021
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 225 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Denise Anderson-Warren
Sent:Monday, September 13, 2021 1:35 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fwd: Please add to the support materials for Item 13B 9/14/21
Vernice, please process this as an Add‐to for 13.B.
Thank you.
Denise Anderson, CMC
City Clerk
From: Phil Brock <Phil.Brock@SMGOV.NET>
Sent: Monday, September 13, 2021 1:13:29 PM
To: Denise Anderson‐Warren <Denise.Anderson‐Warren@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Please add to the support materials for Item 13B 9/14/21
Denise –
Can you please add the following to the support materials for item 13B
Thanks
Phil
A resident made TAP CARD VENDOR INQUIRIES after viewing the Big Blue Bus website to attempt to purchase
or refill a TAP card:
TWO vendors said they sell the TAP CARD
TWO Vendors said they can REFILL a TAP CARD (one has a minimum refill amount of $20-25!)
One of the two vendors in the above count, Walgreens in Marina del Rey, both sells and refills the TAP
CARD. The cost for the card is $2 and they have a $5 minimum for refills.
Only THREE of the FIFTEEN are ACTUAL VENDORS with proper contact information listed on the BBB
website!
Several of the phone numbers appear to have been improperly listed and did not provide access to the
vendors.
A few of the so-called vendors have had people asking for these. Some knew the reason for the
confusion and others did not.
CVS Pharmacy
12315 Venice Boulevard
Los Angeles
CA
90066
(310) 390‐6296 ‐ NO, they do not sell the TAP CARD
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 226 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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7 Eleven
1516 Lincoln Boulevard
Los Angeles
CA
90291
(310) 399‐5813 ‐ the NUMBER LISTED IS NOT IN SERVICE
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
Walgreens
4009 Lincoln Boulevard
Marina del Rey
90292
(310) 823‐7152 - Yes, they have been selling Tap Cards for a few weeks. Pay $2 for the card and
they have a minimum requirement of $5 in Stored Value to make the transaction.
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
7 Eleven
1600 Santa Monica Boulevard
City
Santa Monica
90404
(310) 828‐8193 - "This mailbox is not currently receiving messages because the voicemail has not
yet been activated." Wrong Number?
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
CVS Pharmacy
500 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica
90401
Phone Number
(310) 260‐9889 - No, they do not sell the TAP CARDS and do know that they are listed on the BBB
Map that shows that they do sell them.
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
7 Eleven
626 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica
90401
(310) 393‐7330 - This is a FAX number.
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
CVS Pharmacy (Available 6/18/21)
1411 Lincoln Boulevard
Santa Monica
90401
(310) 319‐1318 - 3:06 pm - No, they do not sell TAP Cards. The female I spoke with said people have
been coming in for about a month and asking for them.
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 227 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
CVS Pharmacy (Available 6/18/21)
6299 Bristol Parkway
Culver City
90230
Phone Number
(310) 641‐4426 - They do NOT sell TAP CARDS, only REFILLS. They have a minimum amount of
either $20 or $25 and started their refill program about 3 weeks ago.
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
7 Eleven
3481 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles
90019
Phone Number
(323) 735‐1000 - I was told they "do not have it" when I asked if they sold the TAP CARD or if they
sold refills for it. The man I spoke with had a thick accent and may not have comprehended what
I was asking for.
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
7 Eleven
8500 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles
90035
Phone Number
(310) 659‐6590 - "This mailbox is not currently accepting messages because voicemail has not yet
been activated." 3:20pm.
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
7 Eleven
3975 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles
90010
Phone Number
(213) 380‐5904 - "This mailbox is not currently accepting messages because voicemail has not yet
been activated." 3:23pm.
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
7 Eleven
11285 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles
90025
Phone Number
(310) 479‐5632 - They do not sell the TAP CARD
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 228 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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7 Eleven
1519 South Bundy Drive
Los Angeles
90025
Phone Number
(310) 207‐0944 - "Hello, we are not available now. Please leave your name and numberafter the
beep. We will returnyour call." 3:29pm The message in no way identfied the name of the
business I thought I was calling based on the number provided by the BBB website. I do not
know if this number is associated with this business or not.
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
Walgreens
1932 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica
90403
Phone Number
(310) 829‐9264 - THEY DO SELL the TAP CARDS, however they do not offer the ability to refill the
cards there. 3:33 pm
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
CVS Pharmacy (Available 6/18/21)
11941 San Vicente Boulevard
Los Angeles
90049
Phone Number
(310) 440‐4162 - No, they do not sell the TAP CARDS nor do they sell refills for these cards.
Fares Available
Stored Value (Barcode Card Only)
Phil Brock
Council Member
City of Santa Monica
P: (310) 458-8201
C: (310) 560-3071
santamonica.gov
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 229 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Rio Wagabaza <riowagabaza@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, September 13, 2021 9:23 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 13b
EXTERNAL
Hi there,
As a Santa Monica citizen and frequent public transportation user, I believe it is detrimental to the community to
remove physical forms of payment from our transit systems as they increase both general convenience along with better
accessibility for those unable to use digital payment methods. Please consider supporting the re‐addition of cash
payment to Santa Monica's Big Blue Buses.
Thank you for your time,
Rio Wagabaza
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 230 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Persephone B <persephone.ballatore@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, September 13, 2021 9:00 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:item 13b
EXTERNAL
The current cash free/contactless system implemented by the Big Blue Bus has created multiple problems due
to it being discriminatory towards elderly, homeless, low‐income, and disabled people. These people are
unable to easily refill tap cards because they don't have a tap card or access to a mobile device to pre pay for a
ride. It also prevents casual riders and tourists from using the bus because a tap card or downloading the app
is required to buy a ticket, discouraging the use of public transportation.
‐Concerned Santa Monica Student
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 231 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Maddie Landon <maddielandon6@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, September 14, 2021 8:06 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 13b
EXTERNAL
I’m writing in to support getting cash payments back on the big blue bus. The removal of cash payments has been
extremely confusing and inhibiting to those who have relied on paying with cash on the bus. This removal has especially
affected people experiencing homelessness, low income individuals, the elderly, and disabled. Please bring cash
payments back to the Big Blue Bus for a more inclusive and welcoming system of public transportation that is accessible
to everyone.
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 232 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Katarina Ceguerra <katarinaceg@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, September 14, 2021 11:22 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:item 13b
EXTERNAL
i am in support of putting payment back on buses.
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 233 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Vernice Hankins
From:phillis dudick <phdphillis@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, September 14, 2021 11:52 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:phillis dudick
Subject:9/14 MEETING #13-B
EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers:
The availability of public transportation is important to members of our community, as well as visitors and tourists.
The removal of all cash boxes from our city buses without a well publicized and easily accessible Tap Program in place
has led to a chaotic situation for bus drivers, bus riders, and others and certainly not a PR plus for the Big Blue Bus, or
the City of Santa Monica.
We need to remember, however, that even with a Tap Program in place, there are people who may ride infrequently, or
for other reasons may need to "pay as they go". Therefore, I suggest we look to MTA and the Culver City Bus as
examples.
In both cases, Tap Cards are accepted while cash boxes remain. I suggest we follow suit by reinstating cash boxes and
making Tap Cards easily available in order to meet the needs of all who may wish to use Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus.
Thank you Councilmemembers Brock and de La Torre for
bringing this issue to the fore.
Sincerely,
Phillis Dudick, San Vicente
Historic District Resident
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 234 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Elizabeth Lerer <elerer@elizabethlerer.com>
Sent:Tuesday, September 14, 2021 11:36 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Support 13. B. to restore cash option on BBB
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support item 13.B. and hope that a cash payment option is restored to the Big Blue Bus and remains an option as long
as payment is required.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Lerer
Santa Monica resident
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 235 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Lilianah Barton <lilianahbarton@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, September 14, 2021 11:22 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 13b
EXTERNAL
Hello there. My name is Lilianah Barton and I am a senior at Santa Monica High School. I believe that it is imperative that
you reinstate cash payments. Almost all of my friends use cash when taking the bus, some because they do not have
access to a credit card or a tap card. Taking away cash payments also takes away some of the only transportation that
the homeless population of Santa Monica uses. Therefore, it should be a top priority to bring back cash payments.
Thank you for your time,
Lilianah Barton
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 236 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Helen Landon <helen@drhelen.com>
Sent:Tuesday, September 14, 2021 12:32 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:item 13b
EXTERNAL
As an occasional big blue bus rider, I support the restoration of cash payment. The other day I was going to take the bus
instead of driving into downtown santa monica. I have some old tap cards, but it's very cumbersome to try to figure out
if there is any value left on them. If you call the number it tells you to go online, when you do that, you have to
remember the login information that you might have used to register them...
As a person who is pretty good at following directions, has access to credit cards, mobile apps and devices, it's still pretty
hard for me to figure out how to ride the bus. If i could just grab some quarters and go, I'd be one less person driving
into downtown.
Imagine what it is like for someone like my mom. She doesn't even use an ATM. At 80 something years old, she
still walks into the bank. She doesn't use a smart phone, though she has the means.
What about the folks who don't have the means to have a phone, drive to get a tap card, or have the means to load the
card with money. They may have $1.25... how about letting them ride with cash!?
What about the tourist who wants to hop on the bus?
Let's make santa monica work for the residents. All of them.
Kindness and compassion. That's what Santa Monica is about and why I moved here many years ago.
thanks,
Helen Landon
229 San Vicente Blvd. Apt E
SM 90402
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 237 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Sophie Salem <srsalem04@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, September 14, 2021 4:08 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 13b
EXTERNAL
In support of putting cash payment back on buses!
Sophie Salem
Item 13.B 09/14/21
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13.B.b
Packet Pg. 238 Attachment: Written Comments (4750 : Restore cash payments for BBB)