Major route and schedule changes coming in the third phase of Evolution of Blue
SANTA MONICA, CA - Big Blue Bus (BBB) is rolling out the third phase of major route and schedule changes as part of the Evolution of Blue campaign, which is BBB's service integration with the newly opened Expo Light-Rail Line. The first phase of the Evolution of Blue plan to provide first-last mile links and easy connections to Expo launched in August 2015. The third phase will include changes on several routes and introduction of new routes beginning June 12, 2016.
Route 4 and 12 will be discontinued. The Route 4 will be partially replaced by service on the new Route 17 at the VA West LA Medical Center and portions of Sawtelle Blvd. Other portions of the Route 4 along San Vicente Blvd. will be picked up by Routes 9, 18 and the new Route 43. The new Route 43 provides weekday only connections from San Vicente Blvd. and 14th St. to the 26th St./Bergamot Station via 26th Street. Route 12 will be replaced by improved Rapid 12 service on Westwood Blvd., Overland Ave., and the UCLA campus offering better frequencies and service seven days a week. Other portions of the former Route 12, previously serving the Culver City Expo Line Station, National Blvd., Palms Expo Line Station, and Palms Blvd., will be picked up by the new Route 17. Additionally, the Route 44 will no longer travel on 20th St. or Pico Blvd.; instead routing will change to provide critical connections to the newly opened 17th St./SMC Station. Additional modifications include regular bus stop and/or schedule changes to Rapid 3 and Routes 5, 8, 14, 15, 16, and 18. See full details at bigbluebus.com/servicechange.
As part of the June changes, Big Blue Bus will introduce a new service called Blue at Night on June 17 in Santa Monica, which provide residents and visitors improved first-last mile connections from Expo. The new on-demand service will be available Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm to 3am, providing late-night connections to or from the 17th St./SMC Expo Station for $3. Santa Monica locals will now have a convenient late evening option and can easily request a Blue at Night cab during service hours by dialing 877-611-8294. View a service area map and more details at bigbluebus.com/blueatnight.
"The summer Service Change, marks another exciting step in the major redesign of Big Blue Bus routes that began last August. The launch of Expo light rail on May 20 ushered the return of rail to the Westside after 63 years, energizing an eager public considering new ways of getting around town," said Transit Director Edward F. King "Big Blue Bus' goal is to tap into this new market of customers by providing innovative service options like Blue at Night and easy connections to Expo Line stations. On June 12, every Big Blue Bus route will connect to one or more Expo stations, thereby opening up the region to more people and places," continued King.
The award winning "Little Blue Book" transit guide, which includes schedules for each BBB route and a large foldout System Map, is now available on board, at the Transit Store and at public counters such as local libraries and senior centers. The NextBus real-time mobile application and GTFS-realtime data will reflect new changes on June 12 so that customers have access to the most up-to-date data informing them of bus locations, arrival and departure times.
About Big Blue Bus
Big Blue Bus operates a fleet of 200 vehicles transporting more than 61,000 customers daily across a 51-square mile service area. Nationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to a cleaner environment, the entire fleet operates on 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.