SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 11, 2024) - The city of Santa Monica will host two public hearings in April to discuss proposed service changes to Big Blue Bus set to be implemented over the next five years.
Brighter Blue is Big Blue Bus's strategic service planning initiative to adapt to evolving rider needs and travel behavior post-pandemic. The plan is a key effort in advancing the city's strategic priority of a Sustainable & Connected community.
The changes proposed under Brighter Blue reflect themes identified through stakeholder focus groups, surveys, and written feedback where riders have consistently emphasized the importance of improved frequency, expanded service hours, and greater connectivity to essential destinations. The Big Blue Bus team invites community input on the following enhancements aimed to make transportation more accessible, convenient, and efficient:
- Increase frequency to 15 minutes or better on a network of key Big Blue Bus routes on major corridors
- Expand service hours to allow for all-day travel on weekdays (5 a.m. - 11 p.m.) and weekends (6 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
- Broaden travel opportunities by introducing weekend service on select weekday-only routes
- Ensure direct access to current and planned Metro Rail D Line, C Line, and K Line stations, and the future LAX People Mover
"We are advancing our engagement process to ensure that future Big Blue Bus service aligns with community needs, promotes greater access to high-quality bus and rail service in our region and attracts new riders to our system," said Director of Transportation Anuj Gupta. "I am looking forward to implementing what we have heard in order to continue to improve our service to the community."
Community members are encouraged to review the draft service changes and provide feedback at two public hearings. Each hearing will begin with a brief presentation of the proposed changes followed by a public comment period.
Online Public Hearing
Tuesday, April 16
6 - 8 p.m.
In-Person Public Hearing
Saturday, April 20
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Virginia Avenue Park, Thelma Terry Building
2200 Virginia Avenue
To attend a public hearing, register at brigherbluebbb.com. Those unable to attend may provide input via an online survey at https://sur-vey.typeform.com/to/N9oGdT41.
Written comments may also be submitted by mail to Big Blue Bus, 1660 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401, Attn: Alfredo Torales, Transit Planning and Performance, or by email to brighterblue@santamonica.gov.
Written comments will be accepted between April 15 and May 24, 2024. All comments will be carefully reviewed by the Big Blue Bus team, and adjustments may be made to the proposed service changes based on the feedback received.
Getting to the In-Person Hearing
Big Blue Bus Route 7 serves Virginia Avenue Park. If you must drive, parking is available in the lot on Pico Boulevard and 23rd Street.
Accommodations
Virginia Avenue Park, Thelma Terry Building is ADA accessible. Disability and translation accommodation requests should be made at least three days prior to the meeting by calling (310) 458-1975, ext. 2386. Live Spanish interpretation will be available for both the online and in-person public hearing. All written materials are available in alternate formats upon request.
For more information about the proposed service changes and Brighter Blue, please visit brigherbluebbb.com.
Media Contact
Robert McCall
310.458.1975 ext. 2386
robert.mccall@santamonica.gov
About Big Blue Bus
Big Blue Bus operates a fleet of 195 vehicles transporting passengers daily across a 58-square mile service area. Nationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to a cleaner environment, the agency plans to convert its entire fleet from natural gas to zero emissions by 2030. Currently, 10-percent of the fleet is battery electric. The rest of the fleet operates on other alternative fuels, including renewable natural gas (RNG), a form of liquefied and compressed natural gas (LNG/CNG), which helps cut emissions by up to 90-percent. Serving Santa Monica and the Los Angeles area since 1928, Big Blue Bus has won numerous awards for its marketing, customer service, safety, and efficiency.
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