Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus will implement service improvements beginning Sunday, Aug. 10, designed to make transit more convenient for riders throughout Santa Monica and the Westside.
The changes are part of Big Blue Bus's ongoing Brighter Blue initiative, which aims to make sustainable transit a more appealing alternative to driving.
Starting Aug. 10, riders will see more frequent service on multiple routes, including Route 3 and Route 7, with buses arriving every 10 minutes or better most weekdays and every 15 minutes or better most weekends.
Route 43 will offer expanded coverage and service hours with a route extension to Downtown Santa Monica and additional midday and weekend trips. The route will also provide connections to key destinations including the new LAX/Metro Transit Center and SoFi Stadium on Route 3.
Service to the Pacific Palisades will be restored via Route 9. The transit agency will also enhance bus shelters and bus stop amenities through its Better Blue Bus Stops program.
"This service change brings exciting improvements for Big Blue Bus riders," said Anuj Gupta, director of transportation. "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."
Gupta said expanding the frequent service network to include both Pico and Lincoln boulevards will allow more riders to expect buses within 10 minutes, making commuting more convenient.
The service improvements represent the city's continued investment in public transportation infrastructure as ridership continues to recover following the pandemic.
Big Blue Bus serves Santa Monica and connects to neighboring communities including Venice, West Los Angeles and Culver City. The transit system operates more than 20 routes throughout the region.
For more information about service changes and how commutes may be affected, visit BigBlueBus.com.
Edited by SMDP Staff