Mobility On Demand Every Day Program

Big Blue Bus has partnered with Lyft to introduce Mobility On Demand Every Day (MODE), the City of Santa Monica's shared-ride service for older adults and persons with disabilities.

The MODE program provides members with greater options for freedom and mobility, by offering curb-to-curb, on-demand transportation, convenient payments, and much more.

Download the MODE Program brochure below for more information, or call: (310) 451-5444

Download MODE Brochure

Service Modifications

The following MODE program changes have been implemented until further notice: 

• Weekday service will be available Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Saturday service will be available from 8:30am to 3:30pm; Sunday service is discontinued. 
• Door-through-door service is unavailable.

Program Reminders:

• Members calling to book their trips must call between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm.
• Members requesting a wheelchair van may book them on-demand directly on the Lyft app or through the MODE Call Center (310-458-6633). Members can also reserve a wheelchair van ride between one (1) and six (6) days prior to the date of travel. All reservations are booked on a first-call, first-served basis, regardless of trip purpose.

Eligibility

Any City of Santa Monica resident who is:

• At least 65-years-old, or
• At least 18-years-old with a disability

Eligible participants must register with Big Blue Bus prior to using MODE; see Getting Started with MODE for more details.

Please note: If you are 18-64 years old, you must provide proof of disability. The following will be accepted as proof of disability:

1. TAP Card for Persons with Disabilities (LACTOA Card); or
2. Access Services ID Card; or
3. Medicare Card (not Medi-Cal); or
4. Disabled Veterans ID Card; or
5. Proof of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits (present benefit/ verification letter).

MODE members receive a total of thirty (30) one-way trips per month, including Lyft Shared and wheelchair van rides.

Hours of Operation

MODE Program

Registered members can take trips on MODE during the following hours:

Holiday Service

MODE does not operate on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Cesar E. Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.

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MODE Call Center  

*Members booking Lyft trips through the MODE Call Center must call between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm.

Members requesting a wheelchair van may book them on-demand directly on the Lyft app or through the MODE Call Center (310-458-6633). Members can also reserve a wheelchair van ride between one (1) and six (6) days prior to the date of travel. All reservations are booked on a first-call, first-served basis, regardless of trip purpose. 

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Blue: The Transit Store

Fares

MODE offers two (2) fare types for a one-way ride, in either a Lyft or wheelchair vehicle:

1. Low-Income Fare: $0.75 (Click here to learn how to qualify for the Low-Income fare.)
   
   
2. Regular Fare: $1.50

Members may travel with one (1) companion or one (1) Personal Care Attendant, at no additional cost.

Note: MODE members are limited to thirty (30) one-way trips per month, for wheelchair van and/or Lyft rides. Failure to comply with these rules may result in termination from the program.

How to Pay Your Fare

Credit, Debit & Prepaid Cards
Payments can be made through your Lyft account, with either a credit, debit, or prepaid card; your card will automatically be charged either $0.75 (Low-Income fare) or $1.50 (Regular fare) after each eligible ride.

Cash, Checks, & Card Payments
Wheelchair members must pay for eligible rides in advance by cash, check, or credit card at Blue: The Transit Store only; see Passenger Accessibility for more details.

Service Area

Trips taken within the Santa Monica city limits during hours of operation, as well as select shopping destinations on Lincoln Blvd. in Venice (99 Cents Only Store, Whole Foods, Smart & Final, Ralph's, Rite Aid, and Ross Dress for Less), qualify for MODE. Access to the following medical facilities will also be permitted at all times during hours of operation:

• UCLA Medical Center
• Kaiser Medical Centers in West Los Angeles and Culver City/Marina del Rey
• The West Los Angeles V.A. Medical Center

However, members are encouraged to schedule these trips between 10:00am and 3:00pm, to ease the challenge of traveling in the wheelchair van during rush hour.

Getting Started With MODE

1. Call

To be eligible for the MODE program, you must register with Big Blue Bus.

2. Register

You may register in-person at Blue: The Transit Store (1444 4th St., Santa Monica, CA, 90401); caregivers and relatives may also accompany you during registration. MODE applications take approximately four (4) weeks to process. For more information, please call Big Blue Bus at (310) 451-5444.

When registering, please be sure to bring the following:

1. Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: State ID or driver's license, or passport.
2. Proof of Santa Monica Residency: Utility bill (gas, electric, water, trash) dated within three (3) months, a copy of your lease agreement, property tax bill, or letter from the Housing Authority verifying assistance dated within one (1) year.
3. Completed MODE Application.

Download MODE Application

3. Ride

Download the Lyft app on your Apple or Android smartphone to book a ride, or visit: ride.lyft.com

Please note: Members without a smartphone, computer, or credit, debit, or prepaid card, can phone the MODE Call Center (310-458-6633) to schedule a pickup.

Rules for Riding

Ensuring the safety and well-being of MODE members is the top priority for Big Blue Bus. The Customer Code of Conduct outlines expected behavior for anyone using Big Blue Bus services and the Mobility On-Demand Every Day (MODE) Program, and serves as a respectful reminder to treat fellow members and MODE staff with consideration, patience, respect, and civility for the mutual safety and enjoyment of the program.

Terms & Conditions

Before submitting an application for the MODE Program, please carefully review our Terms & Conditions. 

Passenger Accessibility

Reservations

Members requesting a wheelchair van may book them on-demand directly on the Lyft app or through the MODE Call Center (310-458-6633). Members can also reserve a wheelchair van ride between one (1) and six (6) days prior to the date of travel. All reservations are booked on a first-call, first-served basis, regardless of trip purpose. 

Payment Options

Payments for wheelchair trips must be made in advance by cash, check, or credit card. Payments are accepted in increments of $5.00 only at:

Blue: The Transit Store
1444 4th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Checks must be delivered in-person and made payable to: City of Santa Monica – Big Blue Bus

Wheelchair & Other Mobility Aids

The term "wheelchair" means, a mobility aid belonging to any class of three (3) or more wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed or modified for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered.

Seat Belt & Wheelchair Securement Policy

MODE requires all passengers to wear seatbelts, including passengers in wheelchairs/scooters, at all times during the ride. Drivers may assist passengers to secure the lap belts to ensure the customer's safety. Drivers will secure all wheelchairs/scooters in the proper wheelchair position on the vehicle. If a passenger refuses to wear a seatbelt or secure their wheelchair/scooter, they may be denied service.

Most MODE vehicles are designed to accommodate wheelchairs up to 30 inches by 48 inches. However, we will transport larger mobility devices, if they can be safely accommodated on our vehicles. A wheelchair must be able to maneuver and fit properly into the wheelchair position on the vehicle and be secured. Wheelchairs that cause legitimate safety concerns, such as an oversized wheelchair that does not fit properly into the wheelchair position, or interferes with the safe evacuation of passengers in an emergency, will not be accommodated.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Lyft?
   
   Lyft is an on-demand ride service that matches you with a nearby driver who will pick you up and take you to your destination. Rides are requested using the Lyft mobile app for iPhone and Android smartphones, or online with a Lyft account.

2. Can I use my existing Lyft account on MODE?
   
   Yes. Please provide the email address and phone number associated with your existing Lyft account where indicated on the MODE application (enclosed); a discount code will be applied to your Lyft account within five (5) business days of your completed registration for MODE.

3. I have a credit card, debit, or prepaid card, but do not have access to a smartphone. Can I still request a ride on Lyft?
   
   Yes. Members unable to use the Lyft mobile app can instead request rides online. Simply visit ride.lyft.com on your computer or mobile browser to request a ride. Please note that you must have a mobile phone capable of receiving text messages to request rides online.

4. I do not have access to a smartphone or credit, debit, or prepaid card. Can I still request a ride on Lyft?
   
   Yes. Members without a computer or smartphone must phone the MODE Call Center to schedule a pickup, and may pay for rides in advance by check, cash, or credit card. Payments are accepted in increments of $5.00 only at Blue: The Transit Store (1444 4th St., Santa Monica CA, 90401).

5. Can others request Lyft rides for me?
   
   Yes. Caregivers and relatives with access to your Lyft account can request rides for you online, by visiting ride.lyft.com. Please note that you must have a mobile phone capable of receiving text messages in order for them to request your ride online.

6. Can I use my Lyft account to go somewhere else?
   
   Yes, but you will be charged regular Lyft rates if you travel outside of the times and places specified in the MODE program. If you have any questions about a specific trip and if it is eligible for a Regular ($1.50) or Low-Income ($0.75) fare, please call the MODE Call Center at (310) 458-6633.

7. Can I request a MODE ride on standard Lyft, or Lyft XL, Preferred, Lux or Black?
   
   Only rides taken on Lyft Shared qualify for the MODE program. When using the Lyft app or website, be sure to select Shared when requesting a ride. You will be charged full fare for trips taken on any other ride type.

8. How many rides can I take per month on MODE?
   
   MODE members are limited to thirty (30) one-way trips per month, for wheelchair van and/or Lyft rides. Failure to comply with these rules may result in termination from the program.

9. How do I receive Low-Income fares on MODE?
   
   To receive the Low-Income fare, members must meet the following income requirements:
   
   

   Household Size	Annual Income
   1	$44,150 or less
   2	$50,450 or less
   3	$56,750 or less
   4	$63,050 or less
   5	$68,100 or less
   6	$73,150 or less

   Eligible MODE members must also provide proof of income (e.g. CalFresh, EBT Card, Federal Tax Return (page 1), Medi-Cal Card, Proof of Lifeline, Recent Pay Stub, SNAP, W-2). It may take up to thirty (30) days to receive the Low-Income fare, following verification of low-income status.
   
   Members may submit proof of income in-person at: 
   
   Blue: The Transit Store
   1444 4th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Download Full MODE FAQ

Additional Information

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Big Blue Bus at (310) 451-5444.