INDICATOR

 STATUS

Annual Ridership
Ridership on the Big Blue Bus remains strong.   After dropping off from the 23 Million trip highpoint in 2001, ridership has hovered between 20 and 21 million trips per year in recent years.
Percent of Residents
Santa Monica residents are utilizing the Big Blue Bus. In 2001, 50% of residents reported having used the Big Blue Bus in the previous year. In 2002, the percent increased to 54%. Residential use of the Tides Shuttle has remained constant in 2001 and 2002 at around 15%.
Annual Ridership MTA
The annual ridership on MTA routes originating in Santa Monica in 2004 was around 2.7 million. During the two years in which data exist, the MTA represents between 9% and 12% of total bus ridership.

An efficient and effective sustainable transportation system provides a viable alternative to single occupancy driving for those who own a car but want to reduce the environmental, social and economic costs of driving.  It further provides a necessary service to community members who do not own a vehicle.  There are three major bus services available to Santa Monica commuters. These are the Big Blue Bus, the MTA and the Tide Shuttle. Together these services provide residents, visitors and commuters with a more sustainable transportation option.

Its destinations include arts and leisure centers, parks and beaches, shopping centers, colleges and public buildings as well as major commuting corridors.

Big Blue Bus also possesses a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable transportation. Half the BBB fleet runs on LNG, which does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and emits 80% less particulate matter into the air than does diesel fuel. Last year the BBB also opened a new fuel and wash facility that uses a biodegradable soap and recycles 80% of the water used.

In an effort to substantially increase ridership among commuters, the BBB has started a Bus Rapid Transit Service (BRT) called the Rapid Blue 3. The Rapid 3 travels the congested Lincoln Blvd corridor and connects downtown Santa Monica with LAX, and the Green line and provides over 2,300 trips per day. It has limited stops, no fixed schedule, a 15-minute frequency and soon, bus only lanes, all of which shorten commute times for passengers who previously traveled by car.

The BBB also runs the Tide Shuttle, an electric vehicle bus service. It operates between two of the major shopping districts in the city, Main Street and the Third Street Promenade. Its’ route down Main Street provides access to many Sustainable Quality Award Winning Businesses. Bus riders in Santa Monica can also utilize MTA routes. The MTA and BBB coordinate routing to serve riders throughout the region.