SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 19, 2025) - The Santa Monica Department of Transportation's Big Blue Bus will host two public hearings to introduce proposed fare increases aimed at enhancing transit services and addressing rising operational costs.
The first public hearing will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To attend, community members must register at bigbluebus.com/meetings.
The second public hearing will take place in-person on Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Santa Monica Main Library in the Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium.
Those unable to attend a hearing are encouraged to share feedback by completing an online survey at bigbluebus.com/meetings. The survey will remain open until Thursday, April 10.
This marks Big Blue Bus's first fare increase proposal in nearly a decade, despite the rising cost of fuel, utilities, and supplies in recent years.
"At Big Blue Bus, we are committed to maintaining affordable fares and high-quality transit service," Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta said. "The proposed fare adjustments will help us offset rising costs while investing in the recruitment and retention of our workforce and providing meaningful customer experience improvements that ensure Big Blue Bus remains a safe, reliable, convenient, and appealing alternative to driving."
Big Blue Bus is proposing the following fare changes:
- Increasing the cost of Single Ride, 1-Day, 7-Day, 10 Rides, and 30-Day Passes
- Eliminating the Annual and Youth 30-Day Passes
Big Blue Bus will continue to offer one free intra-agency transfer within two hours, discounts on Single Rides for contactless fare payments, and expanded access to reduced fares through participation in regional programs such as LIFE and GoPass.
Find more details about the proposed fare changes at bigbluebus.com/meetings.
After gathering public feedback the department will bring the final proposal to the Santa Monica City Council for consideration, anticipated in May 2025.
Getting to the Public Hearing
BBB Routes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 18 serve the Santa Monica Main Library. If you must drive, parking is available in the library garage (enter on 7th Street north of Santa Monica Blvd.).
Accommodations
This Santa Monica Main Library is ADA-accessible. Disability and interpretation accommodation requests should be made at least three days prior to the hearing by calling (310) 458-1975, ext. 2386. All written materials are available in alternate formats upon request.
Media Contact
Robert McCall
310.458.1975 ext. 2386
robert.mccall@santamonica.gov
About Big Blue Bus
Big Blue Bus, a service of the City of Santa Monica's Department of Transportation, 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 2031. 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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