July 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Big Blue Bus Partners with Lyft Rideshare in MODE program

Big Blue Bus (BBB) is partnering with Lyft, Santa Monica City said, to provide on-demand services via a rebranded Dial-A-Ride program for older adults and people with disabilities living in Santa Monica. The new service called MODE, Mobility On-Demand Every Day, launches July 1 and will improve curb-to-curb and door-through-door transportation.

“Recent innovations in the delivery of transportation services are reshaping BBB’s fundamental approach to service design. The development of smartphone apps and online reservation software has created an opportunity to offer real-time and reliable transportation options. Lyft’s flexible transportation service network will allow MODE to meet the high demand for service during peak times when members are most interested in traveling while increasing efficiency when the demand for transportation decreases. This innovation addresses a long-standing issue with Dial-A-Ride, where members often encountered challenges booking a ride during high demand periods,” according to the City.

Photos courtesy of Big Blue Bus

Other improvements include:

  • No requirement for advance scheduling on Lyft vehicles.
  • More payment options through customers’ smartphone device.
  • For non-smartphone users and customers requiring a wheelchair accessible vehicle, the MODE Call Center will book on-demand trips during weekdays using SafeRide Health’s platform with Lyft integration.
  • Access to select medical centers outside the Santa Monica service area during MODE hours of operation.

Program elements that will remain the same for members include:

  • Program eligibility requirements
  • $0.50 per trip rate
  • Hours of operation
  • Santa Monica service area
  • Evening and weekend excursion and shopping trips
  • Ability to call to make a reservatio

“This partnership is reflective of the changing mobility landscape and how transit agencies can adopt new technology to enhance the travel experience for MODE members throughout our City. Continuing to understand customer needs and meeting those needs through quick and innovative service delivery is critical to our success in providing outstanding and efficient service,” said Ed King, Director of Transit Services.

“We are excited to partner with Big Blue Bus on the agency’s innovative new MODE program, which is a great example of how Lyft can partner with cities and local transit agencies to decouple mobility from car ownership and encourage shared transportation alternatives,” said Allen Narcisse, Lyft Los Angeles General Manager.

Early registrants have already started taking Lyft rides as of June 1 and all Dial-A-Ride participants will be transitioned to the new MODE service by July 1. Existing program members have been contacted directly by BBB and WISE & Healthy Aging to encourage re-registration and transition to the new program. Non-members interested in signing up for MODE can visit WISE & Healthy Aging to register and to receive a tutorial on the Lyft app.

To learn more about the MODE program, visit bigbluebus.com/mode.

 

in News
<>Related Posts

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...

THIS SUNDAY: Palisades Symphony Presents “Best of Broadway”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The performance will feature a full orchestra playing iconic selections, from John Philip Sousa’s *El Capitan* and George Gershwin’s *The...