The Big Blue Bus, the only city-run transit system in Los Angeles County, has officially appointed a new leader.
After an extensive search, Big Blue Bus has named Stephanie Negriff as director of transit services for the City of Santa Monica, which pays $114,756 a year as starting salary.
Negriff will manage the operations of the transit system, which encompasses 183 vehicles transporting more than 75,000 passengers a day across 51 square miles.
Negriff has been serving as the interim director since October when former director John Catoe left to take the No. 2 position at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Upcoming issues Negriff will face as Big Blue Bus’ leader will be getting the planned facility expansion complete, finding funding for the system and bringing new transportation alternatives to Santa Monica.
“She’ll play an important role if light rail comes to Santa Monica,” said Big Blue Bus spokesman Dan Dawson.
Negriff has served in various capacities at the Big Blue Bus, including assistant director for operations, manager of transit development and intergovernmental relations, and assistant director of operations-adminstration.
She has 24 years of experience in rapid transit, including stints with transit agencies in Texas, Missouri and Oklahoma City before joining the Big Blue Bus in 1986.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 9, 2002. Read the original PDF.