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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Authorization of Free Fare Days for Culver CityBus 2026.
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Meeting Date: March 9, 2026
Contact Person/Dept.: Dia Turner, Senior Management Analyst (Community Engagement)/Transportation Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-6540
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (03/04/2026)
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Interim Chief Transportation Officer (02/19/2026) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the following free fare days in 2026:
1. Passengers boarding Culver CityBus with a bike or bike helmet on Los Angeles area Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 14, 2026;
2. Passengers boarding Culver CityBus on Clean Air Day, Wednesday, October 7, 2026; and
3. All riders between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM on New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2026.
BACKGROUND
May is National Bike Month, and Thursday, May 14, 2026 is Bike to Work Day in Los Angeles County, part of an annual week of community events sponsored by the Los Angeles County Metro Authority (“Metro”) to encourage sustainable transportation. Transit agencies nationwide offer free fares to riders who board with bicycles or bike helmets, promoting alternative commuting methods.
California Clean Air Day is a statewide program encouraging shared efforts to improve air quality and public health. Culver CityBus partners with other transit agencies on Clean Air Day to offer free fares, supporting regional environmental initiatives and encouraging transit ridership.
On New Year’s Eve, Culver CityBus will again offer free service from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM, partnering with regional transit agencies such as Metro and Big Blue Bus, promoting safe travel during holiday events and reducing traffic congestion.
DISCUSSION
By participating in regional free fare initiatives on Bike to Work Day, Clean Air Day, and New Year’s Eve, Culver CityBus aligns with other transit agencies to provide seamless service for riders. Free fare days encourage sustainable commuting, increase public transit use, and support regional environmental goals.
When people try transit during days when incentives are provided, there is a greater likelihood that they will become long-term transit users. With these efforts, Culver CityBus continues to do its share for clean air and reduction of traffic congestion in our region.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Revenue impacts are projected as follows:
• Bike to Work Day: approximately $4,300
• Clean Air Day: approximately $4,400
• New Year’s Eve: approximately $450
No General Fund dollars are impacted by these reduced fares.
ATTACHMENTS
None
recommended action
MOTION(S)
That the City Council:
1. Authorize Culver CityBus to offer free fares to riders with a bicycle and/or bike helmet on Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 14, 2026;
2. Authorize Culver CityBus to offer free fares to all riders on Clean Air Day, Wednesday, October 7, 2026; and
3. Authorize Culver CityBus to offer free fares to all riders between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM on New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2026.