Big Blue Bus Ridership Increases by Nearly 700,000 Riders

Santa Monica, CA - Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus (BBB) announced today that its most recent ridership figures show a substantial increase in the number of people who are choosing to take the bus around the transit agency's nearly 52 square mile service area. Rapid and Express Routes demonstrated the greatest increase in ridership across BBB’s 19 routes accounting for 19% of the increase. System-wide, ridership increased 3.7% in fiscal year 2011-2012 compared to fiscal year 2010-2011. 

BBB attributes ridership increases to the increase in frequency and span of Rapid 7 and the route extension to Metro’s Purple Line subway station on Wilshire at Western. In addition, BBB’s partnership with Santa Monica College with Any Line, Any Time makes routes serving the college desirable and convenient for students and staff. “Passengers, more and more, are making transportation choices based on safety, reliability and regard for the environment,” said Edward F. King, Director of Transit Services at the Big Blue Bus. “Rapid and Express Routes offer a level of timeliness that is appealing to our riders,” he continued. 

Patrick Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, stated that riders can Ride Blue and Go Green, as BBB’s entire fleet operates on alternative fuels, including liquefied natural gas (LNG). The increase in ridership affirms that we are on track in serving our customers’ needs and meeting their demands. 

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About the Big Blue Bus 

The Big Blue Bus has been serving Santa Monica and the Los Angeles area since 1928. Today it operates over 200 energy-efficient vehicles that transport more than 70,000 riders daily across a nearly 52-square mile service area.