More buses, longer hours, and broader coverage planned to improve rider experience.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 30, 2025) - Beginning Sunday, Aug. 10, the city of Santa Monica Big Blue Bus will implement a series of service improvements designed to make riding easier, faster and more convenient for customers throughout Santa Monica and the Westside.
These changes are part of Big Blue Bus's ongoing Brighter Blue initiative, which aims to make using sustainable transit a more appealing alternative to driving.
As part of this service change, riders will benefit from:
- More frequent service on multiple routes, including Route 3 and Route 7, with trips every 10 minutes or better most of the day on weekdays, and 15 minutes or better most of the day on weekends.
- Expanded coverage and service hours on Route 43 with a route extension to Downtown Santa Monica and added midday and weekend trips.
- Seamless connections to key destinations such as the new LAX/Metro Transit Center and SoFi Stadium on Route 3.
- Restored service to the Pacific Palisades via Route 9.
- Enhanced bus shelters and bus stop amenities through Big Blue Bus's Better Blue Bus Stops program.
"This service change brings exciting improvements for Big Blue Bus riders." Director of Transportation Anuj Gupta said. "With the opening of the LAX/Metro Center, Santa Monica residents and visitors can enjoy a seamless ride to and from Downtown Santa Monica, LAX and SoFi Stadium this summer. By expanding our frequent service network to include both Pico and Lincoln Boulevards, more riders can feel confident knowing the next bus will arrive within 10 minutes-making commuting with Big Blue Bus easier and more convenient for everyone."
To learn more about these service changes and how your commute may be impacted, visit BigBlueBus.com.
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, more than 20 buses in its fleet are 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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