SANTA MONICA, Calif. - The City of Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus will offer free rides to Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) students beginning Monday, October 2 through Friday, October 6, 2023, and free rides to all customers on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, to support a pair of initiatives that will help bring cleaner air to Santa Monica and West Los Angeles.
California Clean Air Day
On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Big Blue Bus will offer free rides to all customers systemwide for California Clean Air Day. A project of the Coalition for Clean Air, California Clean Air Day is a statewide program built on the idea that shared experiences and individual actions can improve air quality and protect public health.
Individuals and organizations are invited to take the Clean Air Pledge, and commit to one or more actions to advance clean air, such as riding public transportation.
Take the Clean Air Pledge online at: cleanairday.org/pledge/individual/bbb/
Bike It! Walk It! Bus It!
Beginning Monday, October 2 through Friday, October 6, 2023, Big Blue Bus will celebrate Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! by offering free rides to SMMUSD students.
During Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! week, families are encouraged to forego driving in favor of eco-friendly modes of transportation, like walking, biking, or taking transit to school. The weeklong celebration includes fun events, activities and trainings designed to encourage kids to adopt active and sustainable transportation, and lessen dependence on fossil fuels.
SMMUSD students can use their GoPass TAP card for free rides on Big Blue Bus during Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! Week, and any time throughout the school year. SMMUSD students can also show a valid school ID, report card or class schedule to the Big Blue Bus Operator when boarding for free rides during Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! week.
For more details, visit: bigbluebus.com/newsroom
"The Santa Monica Department of Transportation continues to invest in developing a safe and complete multi-modal transportation network that supports healthy and active communities," said Anuj Gupta, Interim Director of the Santa Monica Department of Transportation. "By offering free fares during the week of October 2, Big Blue Bus is lowering barriers to eco-friendly transportation, which aligns with our strategic goal of reducing our carbon footprint and fostering climate resiliency."
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in California. Big Blue Bus is committed to providing access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transportation for marginalized communities disproportionately burdened by climate change. The agency plans to convert its entire renewable natural gas fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2030, complete facility and infrastructure enhancements that support on-site charging of nearly 200 vehicles and facilitate the creation of green jobs.
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.