Olivia Landon fights for passenger equality on the Big Blue Bus
Sophie Salem, Staff Writer
Olivia Landon (’22), one of Samo’s many versatile seniors, has taken Santa Monica by storm. With a passion for music and self-expression, Landon has always been eager for change. When the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus (BBB) announced their removal of cash payment for all customers, Landon knew she couldn’t let this go down without a fight.
During the summer, the BBB announced that starting July 12, 2021, they would no longer accept cash, tokens or paper magnetic fare cards in order to minimize contact due to COVID-19. Instead, they went completely contactless, only accepting TAP cards (Transit Access Passes) or mobile ticketing. This new decision negatively affects low-income, elderly and disabled passengers, resulting in Santa Monica expressing their anger toward the BBB.
Landon is a frequent BBB passenger and when she heard the news of their removal of cash payment, she grew irritated by the system. This change directly influences passengers who rely on cash. So, Landon started a petition on change.org in hopes of reintroducing cash payment.
“By removing cash as a means to pay for the bus they are discriminating against our large community that is experiencing homelessness as well as our elderly and disabled community,” Landon said.
Landon argued that this change in policy excludes certain members of Santa Monica and the BBB needs to make TAP cards more easily accessible to everyone. According to Landon, this new protocol results in classism and is not excused by supposed COVID-19 safety reasons. So far, 179 people have signed Landon’s petition and the numbers are steadily increasing.
To make her voice heard, Landon took her petition to the Santa Monica city council in hopes of changing the BBB’s mind. After trying to get in contact with the city council for weeks, Landon began working with council member Phil Brock to create a proposal that would restore cash payment. Brock is a Samo graduate himself and is now working toward improving Santa Monica. As a result, the city council held a meeting on Sept. 14, where Landon’s proposal became an official item.
During the meeting, Landon spoke in the public comment section in which she encouraged Santa Monica to get behind her proposal. Brock and Landon worked together throughout the meeting and laid out various examples for why it is important to have multiple means of payment. As Brock presented the item, he referred to his elderly mother who relies on cash and checks. Being unfamiliar with smartphones and technology, it is not easy for her to get access to TAP cards or mobile payments.
After a long discussion, council member Gleam Davis came to the conclusion that she was uncomfortable finalizing a decision. It seems that the item is still open for discussion, but for now, there are no means of cash payment on the BBB. Frustrated, Landon knew she had to do more.
“I also had a Zoom with the Santa Monica Board of Transportation to discuss the issues but it didn’t really resolve much as they were pretty set on their decision,” Landon said.
Landon is still unsure of the next steps, but she is continuously working toward finding the best ways to make riding the BBB as accessible as possible for all passengers. Once the cashless payment pilot program ends at the beginning of January, Landon plans to revisit this item and convince the city council to reverse their decision to make TAP cards easier to buy, use and recharge.
Photo by Sophie Salem