November 14, 2022
RE: Item 10-B - Zero Emission Delivery Zone Pilot Program Dear Mayor Himmelrich, Mayor Pro Tempore McCowan, and City Councilmembers, Coco has been thrilled to be part of Santa Monica’s Zero Emission Delivery Zone program and we strongly support City Staff’s recommendation to adopt the ordinance before you tonight, which will allow us to continue to provide more affordable, sustainable, and reliable deliveries to Santa Monica local businesses.
It’s been exciting for us to support Santa Monica’s city-leading efforts to reduce emissions. We have provided local deliveries for over 20 Santa Monica businesses, including: Alfalfa, Ashland Hill, Bangkok West Thai, Bay City Deli, Bru’s Wiffle, Jinya Ramen Bar, Jinky’s Cafe, Lotus Dim Sum & Dumpling House, Sweetfin Poke, Sweet Rose Creamery, Umami Burger and more. Short distance deliveries make up a significant portion of merchants' delivery volume and there is no reason to have these orders carried by fossil fuel powered cars.
Since the launch of the ZEDZ in Santa Monica we have completed over ten thousand deliveries without any serious problems. Had the same deliveries been made by the average car, almost 15,000 lb of CO2 would have been needlessly emitted. Restaurants have found us especially useful during these challenging economic times, as we provide a more affordable local delivery solution (often less than half the cost of car-based delivery companies). Residents appreciate us because we provide contact-free and sustainable deliveries, giving comfort to those worried about COVID exposure and reducing the number of delivery cars double parked in our bike lanes and polluting our air. Earlier this year, Fast Company named Coco one of the 10 most innovative robotic companies – specifically for “making robot delivery work for small businesses”. Please see the attached article.
We look forward to our continued collaboration with City Staff and our local business partners to help keep delivery affordable and reduce traffic and Item 10.B
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emissions in Santa Monica. Please support City Staff’s recommendation to maintain and extend the benefits of PDDs as demonstrated through the ZEDZ pilot program.
Thank you,
Zach Rash
CEO and Co-Founder
Coco
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Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/90724464/most-innovative-companies-robotics-2022 Item 10.B
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