> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Big Blue Bus adds another Rapid line, this time along Pico - URL: https://www.smdp.com/big-blue-bus-adds-another-rapid-line-this-time-along-pico/ - Published: 2008-08-21T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T20:46:15.000Z - Author: Guest Author - Tags: local, Pico, #archive-import *BBB launches new rapid line* *By DAILY PRESS STAFF* PICO BLVD Getting to the heart of West Los Angeles and back will be a lot faster for fans of public transportation, the Big Blue Bus adding a new Rapid line that is expected to cut travel times by 15 percent. The Rapid 7 line, which debuted on Monday and will connect Downtown with the Rimpau Transit Center via Pico Boulevard, will hit such popular destinations as the Third Street Promenade, Westside Pavilion and the Avenue of the Stars in Century City. It is one of several changes to service made by BBB, which include additional stops and more frequent pickups. Rapid 7 uses the newest, high-tech buses available, and includes signal priority to move through traffic faster, digital interior signs, quieter engines and also low-floors for faster boarding. All Rapid 7 buses are powered by cleaner burning liquefied natural gas (LNG), which reduces carbon dioxide by 80 percent compared to diesel buses. The Rapid 7 service replaces the former Super 7 service. Rapid 7 operates more frequently than the Super 7, with some buses running at 10 minute intervals. “This new enhanced service along one of our most popular routes will be a great benefit to riders who want to quickly access the Downtown Santa Monica area and destinations along the Pico Boulevard corridor,” said Dan Dawson, customer relations manager for BBB.“Our Rapid 3 service down the Lincoln Boulevard corridor has been a huge success with the public, and we hope people will really enjoy the faster and improved service this line offers, not to mention the cost savings and environmental benefits people will get from taking transit instead of driving.” The line uses the same stops as the Super 7 with the exception of a stop on Pico at 20th Street. Rapid 7 serves the promenade, Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica College, the Westside Pavilion and the Rimpau Transit Center. The service runs Monday through Friday during peak hours. The regular, Local 7 service will run on the weekends. From the Rimpau Transit Center heading west, Rapid 7 service operates from 5:57 a.m. until 9:47 a.m., takes a midday break and then runs again from 12:48 p.m. until 6:33 p.m. From Sixth Street at Broadway heading east, Rapid 7 service operates from 6 a.m. until 8:54 a.m., takes a midday break and then runs again from 11:50 a.m. until 6:02 p.m. Rapid 7 fares are 75 cents for regular boarding, 50 cents for Student Punch Card boardings and 25 cents for senior/disabled/Medicare passengers. Students and staff at SMC can ride any line for free under the “Any Line Any Time” program, paid for by the college and Associated Students. “Student ridership is very important to us,” Dawson said. “SMC students and staff now take over a million trips a year on the Big Blue Bus, and with this new exciting program, we expect that number to rise dramatically, getting even more cars off residential streets and helping to reduce air pollution in the city.” Other Big Blue Bus service enhancements include: • New Line 1 “Campus Connector” — In addition to servicing stops along its regular route, Line 1 has a new branch called the “Campus Connector” that connects UCLA and SMC via 20th Street to Pico Boulevard. • Line 14 — Additional trips have been added so that service will now be every 15 minutes in the evening hours. There will be roughly 30 percent more trips on Saturdays, BBB officials said. • Sunset Ride — A stop has been added to the Sunset Ride route on Pico Boulevard between 27th Street and 28th Street, and a 15-minute schedule is back in effect to help transport SMC students, staff and neighbors during the school year. • Line 5 & Line 13 — There are minor schedule adjustments on both weeknights and weekend nights to ensure buses arrive at stops on time and that riders can better make their connection to the Rapid 7 line. For more information or questions regarding the new Rapid Blue 7 service and other improvements, call BBB customer service at (310) 451-5444 or visit www.big-bluebus.com. *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 21, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/082108.pdf?ref=smdp.com)