The League of Women Voters of Santa Monica submitted the following public comments regarding Santa Monica City Council Meeting 8/24/2021 Agenda Item 3D:

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August 24, 2021

Re: City Council Agenda Item 3D

Dear Mayor Himmelrich, Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, and City Councilmembers,

The League of Women Voters of Santa Monica supports the staff recommendation  in agenda item 3D, to authorize the Department of Transportation (DOT) Big Blue Bus (BBB) to participate in LA Metro’s Fareless System Initiative Pilot Program, including providing free transportation to K-12 students and Community College students whose school districts and boards approve participation in the LA Metro Pilot Program.  

This pilot program can help to increase use of public transportation services and other viable alternatives to reduce vehicle miles traveled, minimize harmful effects of transportation on the environment, facilitate use of transit and other alternatives to single occupant vehicles, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and mitigate the effect of commuting costs experienced by low income persons.

We appreciate your consideration in the matter of agenda Item 3D.

Sincerely,

Natalya Zernitskaya
President
League of Women Voters of Santa Monica

Laurene von Klan
Natural Resources Chair (Off-board)
League of Women Voters of Santa Monica