All Big Blue Buses offers rider many accessibility features and services, including:

• Ram boarding for mobility devices.
• LED screens that display information for riders with hearing challenges
• TDD trip planning service via (310) 395-6024
• Audio announcements at bus entry and on-board for riders with sight challenges
• Large print schedules via request at (310) 451-5444
• ¡Se habla Español!

Trip tip: When considering a wheelchair purchase, a WC19-compliant model is the most easily secured on transit buses.

For riders with mobility devices: 

Whenever possible, wheelchairs/mobility devices should be backed onto the bus. Next, you’ll be required to power down your device and/or set your brakes. The Operator is then required to secure it.

Big Blue Bus requires devices to be secured using a four-point or two-point securement system (American with Disabilities Act, Title 49, CFR 37.165). Riders with devices that can be secured but who prefer not to use the securements will not be transported.

Mobility devices that can’t be secured may still be transported after the brakes are locked, the device is powered down, and the Operator receives approval from Dispatch to move the bus.

If your device can’t be secured, you may request a “Mobility Device Exemption Sticker” at Blue : the Transit Store (223 Broadway in Santa Monica). At Blue, your device will be tested for conformance with our securement system. If staff confirms the device cannot be secured, you’ll be given a small exemption sticker to put on your device. Next time you board, just show the Operator the exemption sticker on your device and they will not try to secure it.  All customers using a mobility device may refuse to wear the seatbelt.

About your securement exemption card/sticker: 

• It does not exempt you from paying required fares or transfers. 
• If issued to you, it is expressly for your own personal use with the chair or device that qualifies. The card or sticker cannot be transferred to another person, or to another chair or device. 
• When boarding, present the card or sticker to the driver. They will ask if you would like to use a seat belt or lap belt. Although usage is optional, we encourage all riders to use belts for their own safety. 

Service Animal Policy:  

Big Blue Bus welcomes service animals onto all our buses.  

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines Service Animals as any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. The ADA does not limit the kind of animal that can provide service or the types of tasks a service animal can perform for an individual. 

If you meet the outlined requirements, no license is required, but you may be asked to confirm that your animal is a service animal.  

A few things to keep in mind when bringing your service animal on board a Big Blue Bus: 

• You are responsible for the supervision and actions of your animal while on board. 
• The animal must be in a harness, a leash, or be secured in some way; or the individual must maintain effective control by voice, signals or some other effective means. 
• The animal must not be disruptive and/or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. 
• With few exceptions, the animal is expected to remain on the floor.  
• The animal must be housebroken.