Dear Editor and Readers,
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus is asking the City Council to approve “fare restructuring.” The proposal has two options; both of them are really fare increases:
• Option #1 would increase the base fare by 67% (from $0.75 to $1.25), for seniors and disabled the increase is 140% (from $0.25 to $0.60).
• Option #2 would increase the base fare by 100% (from $0.75 to $1.50), for seniors and disabled the increase is 200% (from $0.25 to $0.75).
Seniors ride the buses during the day, off-peak hours; I noticed that some just go couple of stops with their grocery carts – why not let them pay more! Triple their fare? They have their Social Security and who cares that there was no cost-of-living increase this year. All prices are going up!
One attachment to the proposal compares BBB fares with other bus systems, pointing out how Big Blue Bus is so far the least expensive public transportation. It is not; MTA offers the same fares for seniors and disabled (of $0.25) between 9:00am and 3:00pm on weekdays and all days on weekends.
MTA is also getting ready to propose fare increases – however, under their plan, students, seniors and disabled fares will remain the same until 2013.
The proposed BBB “fare restructuring” is scheduled for vote on April 27 City Council meeting.
If either proposal is approved as presented, I personally will walk an extra block and catch MTA Rapid or just walk – maybe even drive my car – but not everyone has these options. Those who don’t can call Dial-a-ride, which provides door-to-door ransportation for $0.50 one-way (Dial-a-Ride telephone # 310-394-9816).
Seniors and Disabled: Let the Councilmen hear from you – either in person on April 27th, by phone, letter or email.
The Council Office address:
Room 200 of City Hall,
1685 Main Street,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
tel. 310-458-8201
Email addresses for all council
members: council@smgov.net
Radana Mikes, Santa Monica
Dear Editor,
I find it disturbing that people who bought houses near an airport are now demanding that the airport change its ways. How does that make sense at all? If you move next to an airport you should expect to have noise, pollution and traffic. If you move next to a freeway or factory you can expect the same thing. That is why houses near airports and freeways are cheaper than comparable houses elsewhere. Take some responsibility for your actions!
My family is looking for a house to buy and two parameters of that search are that it can’t be within 1000 feet of a freeway or an airport (or an airport flight path).
Steve Lewis, Santa Monica
