April 27, 2010 --A ride on Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus could get more expensive by the end of the summer. The City Council on Tuesday night will vote on a proposal to increase the fare from 75 cents to $1.25 or $1.50 for most riders and from 25 cents to 60 cents or 75 cents for seniors and the disabled.

Additional changes to bus ride costs are proposed in an action that is expected to put a dent in the Blue Bus’ deficit, which is projected to reach $16 million by 2015.

The proposal was supposed to go before the Council last month, but it was delayed when Santa Monica College objected. SMC pays the City approximately $1.2 million per year to allow unlimited free bus service for students through its “Anyline Anytime” program. The City has agreed not to increase the cost SMC must pay for this program for at least a year while it studies how many SMC students use the service.

Also proposed is the elimination of transfers passes within the Blue Bus system (inter-agency transfers will remain at a cost of 50 cents). City staff has recommended a $4 day pass for all kinds of bus rides, while currently there are separate prices for regular and express service. Also, a 30-Day pass costing $60 for regular service and $80 for express service is proposed. If approved, the new costs would go into effect at the end of August.

Also at the meeting, the Council will consider whether to direct City staff to modify or repeal Santa Monica’s ban on beekeeping. The City’s currently policy is to exterminate bees reported as a nuisance by residents.

The item was placed on the agenda by Council member Kevin McKeown. If he can get support from a majority of his colleagues on the dais, a new City law would lift the beekeeping ban and possibly create a bee sanctuary on City land located near the Santa Monica Airport. This concept was endorsed last month by the City’s Task Force on the Environment

The beekeeping ban became an issue last year when resident Daniel Salisbury was cited for maintaining a beekeeping operation in his backyard. This issue has gained significant regional media attention.

Other items scheduled for the meeting:
-Streetscape improvement projects on portions of Cloverfield Boulevard, 20th Street and Ocean Park Boulevard 

- Presentation on biotechnology company Agensys Inc.’s proposed development agreement for a 153,000-square-foot research and development, office, and manufacturing facility at 1800 Stewart Street.