The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica.
Starting today, the Santa Monica Department of Transportation will implement stronger action in promoting safety and adherence to its Customer Code of Conduct, thanks to its new Prohibition Order Program.
The program is made possible under Senate Bill 1417, and gives Big Blue Bus the authority to refuse service to customers who have been routinely cited for policy infractions, and/or arrested or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony committed on buses or at transit facilities.
Authored by Senator Ben Allen, SB 1417 allows the issuance of prohibition orders lasting from 30 days to one year for offenses that jeopardize the safety and comfort of Big Blue Bus passengers and employees. The bill also requires that an advisory committee be established to ensure a compassionate approach to enforcement is taken and that personnel issuing prohibition orders are properly trained.
“The Prohibition Order Program helps us ensure a safe and welcoming environment for Big Blue Bus riders and operators by giving us another tool to enforce our Customer Code of Conduct,” Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta said. “The program supports our broader efforts to enhance the transit experience, so our customers can Ride with Confidence knowing that Big Blue Bus is safe, reliable, and inclusive for all riders.”
The Prohibition Order Program is part of Big Blue Bus’s comprehensive customer experience enhancement plan, which also includes:
- Brighter Blue, a five-year service improvement plan that seeks to provide more frequent service, expand operating hours, and improve connections to Metro Rail and other key destinations.
- The Better Blue Bus Stop project, aimed at improving bus stop amenities across Big Blue Bus’s service area including upgraded lighting, additional seating, new shelters to provide more shade, and enhanced accessibility at boarding areas.
- Continued presence of Big Blue Bus Transit Safety Officers, who play an integral role in maintaining safety onboard buses and at bus stops. These officers provide friendly assistance with fare payment, trip planning, and wayfinding, while also upholding the Customer Code of Conduct.
For more information on the Prohibition Order Program and to view Big Blue Bus’s complete Customer Code of Conduct, visit: bigbluebus.com/codeofconduct
