Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus system will raise fares for the first time since 2016 this summer, eliminating several pass options while increasing the cost of most others. The last fare adjustment introduced the current $1.25 cash price for a single ride and offered a discounted $1.10 rate for TAP card or mobile payments.
The fare changes, which take effect August 10, were formally announced by the city’s Department of Transportation and will apply to single rides, daily and weekly passes and most multi-ride products. The $500 annual pass and the $19 youth 30-day pass will be discontinued entirely.
City officials said the decision was driven by rising costs for fuel, utilities and supplies, as well as the need to invest in future infrastructure upgrades and service improvements.
“We are in the midst of a transformative period,” said Anuj Gupta, Santa Monica’s director of transportation. “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 cost of a standard single ride paid via mobile app or TAP card will rise from $1.10 to $1.25. Riders who pay cash will see the fare jump from $1.25 to $1.50. Fares for seniors, disabled riders and Medicare beneficiaries will also increase slightly, with the cash price for a single ride climbing from 50 cents to 75 cents.
Discounted multi-ride passes will also go up. The price of a 7-day pass will rise from $14 to $16, while a 30-day pass will cost $55, up from $50. Riders using 10-ride passes will now pay $10, compared to the current $9. Monthly passes for seniors and disabled riders will go from $24 to $27.
City transportation staff emphasized that key discounts will remain in place. Riders will still receive one free transfer between Big Blue Bus lines within a two-hour window. Contactless payment methods will continue to offer savings and the system will remain part of regional discount programs such as LIFE and GoPass.
The fare changes come at a time when Big Blue Bus is actively expanding service hours, improving route frequency and preparing for major infrastructure changes tied to fleet electrification. As of this year, more than 20 of the system’s 195 buses are fully battery electric. The agency’s long-term plan calls for a full transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2032, replacing buses currently powered by renewable natural gas and other low-emission fuels.
The agency's Brighter Blue initiative aims to make the system more convenient, efficient and environmentally sustainable, with improved connections to high-demand destinations including the Metro’s C, D and K Lines, the new LAX/Metro Transit Center and Sofi Stadium in Inglewood.
Big Blue Bus currently operates across a 58-square-mile service area that includes Santa Monica and large portions of Los Angeles. The system has been in continuous service since 1928 and has received national recognition for safety, marketing, customer service and sustainability.
City staff framed the fare adjustments as a necessary step to keep the system financially sustainable while delivering on long-term goals for access and equity. The price hikes are also designed to align with regional norms, where fares have increased more frequently in other neighboring systems.
Riders can find full details on the upcoming changes, including updated fare tables and timelines, by visiting the Big Blue Bus website at bigbluebus.com/meetings.
By Scott Snowden, SMDP Staff Writer