Bye Bye Big Blue Bus Transfers

The Santa Monica City Council this week unanimously approved a series of Big Blue Bus fare policy updates, including the elimination of the 50-cent transfers.

Despite opposition from some residents during the public hearing section of the meeting, the City Council unanimously approved the elimination of the local 50-cent Big Blue Bus transfers. The elimination into effect, Jan. 1, 2014.

BBB Director of Transit Services Edward King said at the meeting that in lieu of the transfers and paper tickets, Smart cards would be issued  in the early Spring of 2014 and this would help retain the curent base fare of $1 per ticket.

King said the move would improve on time performance of buses, help stop fare evasion and help with sustainability. Currently it costs $90,000 per year to print the local transfers.

Seniors and the disabled will not be affected by the changes King said, because passes for them will remain at $1.50, which is the same amount as a regular fare plus the current transfers.

The cost of investing in the new services are projected to cost the City $325,620.

What do you think of the City’s decision to eliminate the transfers? Tell us in the comments.