By Jorge Casuso

September 4, 2024 -- Starting January 1, Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus (BBB) will have the authority to deny service to those who commit policy infractions or crimes under a senate bill approved last month.

Co-sponsored by the City and Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), SB 1417 applies powers that have been reserved for regional transit authorities to the City's Transportation Department.

Under the bill signed into law on August 19, the Department can issue a prohibition order "to any person cited for committing one or more of certain prohibited acts" on BBB buses or facilities.

“The use of prohibition orders gives us another tool to improve the safety and security of our customers and operators," said Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta.

A prohibition order can be issued to any person who:

• On at least three separate occasions within a period of 90 consecutive days is cited for an infraction committed on a transit district property, facility or vehicle.
  
  
• Is arrested or convicted for a misdemeanor or felony committed in or on a vehicle, bus stop or light rail station "for acts involving violence, threats of violence, lewd or lascivious behavior, or possession for sale or sale of a controlled substance."
  
  
• Is convicted of violating the Health and Safety Code by loitering "in a manner and under circumstances manifesting the purpose and with the intent to commit an offense" as specified in the code.

The prohibition can last from 30 days to one year but allows those facing an order to "travel to places of necessity, such as jobs, medical or legal appointments, classes, and other essential destinations."

In addition, an advisory committee will be established "to ensure a compassionate approach to enforcement is taken and that personnel issuing prohibition orders are properly trained, City officials said.

The bill will go into effect less than a year after unarmed security guards began patrolling Santa Monica select buses and bus stops in March to deter crime and unwanted behavior ("Guards to Begin Patrolling City Buses," March 8, 2024).

Since 2019, Santa Monica buses have seen an increase in passenger disturbances, assaults, code of conduct violations and health and safety concerns, according to transit officials.

The new law gives Santa Monica the same authority to issue prohibition orders as the Fresno Area Express, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Sacramento Regional Transit District, the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

Riders are encouraged to report suspicious or inappropriate behavior to a Transit Safety Officer, Big Blue Bus operator, or use Santa Monica 311, transit officials said.

In case of emergencies, dialing or texting 911 is recommended.