Item 06-E

Council Meeting: 9/10/96                     Santa Monica, CA

TO:       Mayor and City Council

FROM:     City Staff

SUBJECT:  Request for Resolution in Support of Transportation
          Department Allocation of Proposition C Discretionary
          Funds for Countywide Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Introduction
The Big Blue Bus is eligible to receive Proposition C
Discretionary funds to participate in a program developed by the
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
which is designed to reduce overcrowding on bus routes that are
used by transit dependent riders. The purpose of the MTA Bus
Service Improvement Plan is to improve the quality of bus service
throughout Los Angeles County.  The MTA has requested that each
participating transit system submit a resolution adopted by its
policy body which acknowledges that the funds will be used for
this purpose.

Background
The MTA Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) was adopted by the
MTA Board of Directors in March 1996.  The plan provides for a
one-time appropriation of $10.4 million in Proposition C
Discretionary funds to be used in FY 1997 to improve service on
overcrowded lines which are used by transit dependent riders. 
All transit providers who are eligible to receive MTA transit
subsidies pursuant to its regional formula programs have been
allocated a proportionate share of BSIP funds.  The
Transportation Department's allocation of these funds is
$541,996.

These funds may be deployed for service improvements on any Big
Blue Bus routes which serve a significantly transit dependent
patronage to reduce overcrowding and improve overall service
quality. Most Big Blue Bus routes meet the criteria for this
program. The funds will be employed immediately to reduce
overcrowding on Santa Monica's Line 3 service along Lincoln Blvd.
to the Metro Green Line.  Throughout the year, these funds will
be used for  service improvements on other lines, pursuant to the
Big Blue Bus Service Improvement Program.  Since this program
provides only a one time allocation of funds, continued funding
is projected to be available through transit subsidy allocations
to the Municipal Bus Lines on a formula basis.  Funding for
future improvements will be addressed in next year's Short Range
Transit Plan and City budget processes.

Budgetary/Financial Impacts
Authority to apply for these funds was granted by Council as part
of the Short Range Transit Plan approval on March 26, 1996. 
Expenditure budget authority was established as part of the FY
1997 City budget process.  Revenue budget authority in the amount
of $541,966 will need to be established at account number 41-600-656-00000-0582-10000.

Recommendation
City staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached
resolution and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a memorandum of understanding with the MTA for the
application of Proposition C Discretionary funds in the amount of
$541,966 to utilize pursuant to the MTA Bus Service Improvement
Plan.