SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 8, 2025) - Beginning Aug. 10, the Santa Monica Department of Transportation will increase fares on the Big Blue Bus system for the first time in nearly a decade.
Big Blue Bus is implementing 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
Fare Product
|
Current Fare
|
Fare Change
|
Single Ride
|
Regular (TAP/Mobile)
|
$1.10
|
$1.25
|
Regular (Cash)
|
$1.25
|
$1.50
|
Senior/Disabled/Medicare (S/D/M) (TAP/Mobile)
|
$0.50
|
$0.60
|
Senior/Disabled/Medicare (S/D/M) (Cash)
|
$0.50
|
$0.75
|
1-Day Pass
|
Regular
|
$4
|
$4.50
|
Senior/Disabled/Medicare (S/D/M)
|
$1.50
|
$1.75
|
7-Day Pass
|
Regular
|
$14
|
$16
|
10 Rides Pass
|
Regular
|
$9
|
$10
|
Senior/Disabled/Medicare (S/D/M)
|
$4.50
|
$5
|
30-Day Pass
|
Regular
|
$50
|
$55
|
Senior/Disabled/Medicare (S/D/M)
|
$24
|
$27
|
Youth
|
$19
|
Eliminated
|
Annual Pass
|
Regular
|
$500
|
Eliminated
|
Big Blue Bus will maintain:
- One free Big Blue Bus to Big Blue Bus transfer within two hours
- Discounted fares for use of contactless payments
- Participation in regional fare discount programs such as LIFE and GoPass
The fare increase will help offset the rising costs of fuel, utilities, and supplies accrued in recent years. The changes will also help Big Blue Bus further invest in its fleet electrification and Brighter Blue program, which collectively aim to provide sustainable and convenient service through greater frequency, expanded operating hours, and improved connections to key destinations such as the new LAX/Metro Transit Center, Sofi Stadium, and Metro's C, D, and K Lines.
"At Big Blue Bus, we are in the midst of a transformative period," Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta said. "Along with our city and state partners, we are investing in high-quality transit service, a sustainable fleet that will move us into a greener future, and a skilled workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. The fare adjustments will provide meaningful customer experience improvements that ensure Big Blue Bus remains a safe, reliable, convenient, and appealing alternative to driving."
Find more details about the fare changes at bigbluebus.com/meetings.