Politics & Government

Big Blue Bus Gets New Director

Edward F. King previously served as executive director of the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority.

A new director for the has been named, the City Manager Rod Gould announced Thursday morning. Edward F. King, who previously served as executive director of the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, is assuming the role.

King will oversee the BBB operation, which includes 419 employees and has an annual budget of $58.9 million. His base salary will be $182,040.

Seven finalists were considered for the position following interviews with 50 candidates who applied as part of a national recruitment effort.

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“Ed King is an exceptional manager with a proven track record in operations management and transportation planning for several large organizations," Gould said in a statement. "He brings in-depth experience ranging from transit system improvements focusing on service quality and reliability, to strategic transit service planning. He is known for strong management, staff development and budgeting skills."

“I am honored to have been selected as the next director of the Big Blue Bus for the city of Santa Monica," King said in a statement. "I look forward to establishing collaborative relationships with our stakeholders as well as working with the city and Big Blue Bus employees to provide transportation services that improve and enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors of the city."

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In his San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority role, King oversaw transit services, in addition to a capital program. Prior to that position, he served the following roles:

• deputy director of Valley Metro Regional Public Transit Authority in Phoenix

• vice president of operations and system security for Long Beach Transit in Long Beach, Calif.

• deputy executive director for operations for Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority in Clearwater, Fla.

• general manager of operations for Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority in Tampa, Fla.

• deputy director of North Suburban Mass Transit District in Des Plaines, Ill.

Also in Illinois, King earned a Master's degree in Urban Planning from Roosevelt University.

The BBB serves 22 million riders each year.


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