Big Blue Bus Hosts Community Workshops to Share Proposed Expo Service Plan

All community members interested in local transit planning related to upcoming light rail service on the Expo Line are invited to attend three public workshops. 

Big Blue Bus staff and consultants from Nelson/Nygaard will make a presentation and be available for questions related to service planning integration.

The completion of light rail service in Santa Monica in early 2016 will have significant impact on public transportation to and from Santa Monica. The final Phase 2 expansion will bring rail from the fringes of the BBB service area into its center. Of the seven new rail stations that will open in Phase 2, three are within the city of Santa Monica city limits, including the western terminus for the line. Projected weekday ridership for the Exposition Line is 64,000 boardings per weekday as of 2030.

This is a significant change of conditions for a system that has served rail only at the periphery until now. Additionally, changes in demographics, zoning, and land use are forming pockets of increasing density in designated commercial and mixed use areas in order to conserve Santa Monica’s existing diverse residential areas. More resources are being dedicated to walking, biking, ride sharing, and transit to optimize the efficiency of the transportation system, and this change is remaking the fabric of the service area.

The goal for Big Blue Bus service changes is to create service connections making transit and rail an even more convenient and attractive option for residents and visitors on the Westside.

• The first is scheduled from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, July 22 in the community room at the Ride BBB Routes 1 or 4. Parking is available on surrounding streets and the parking lot across the street. Parking validation will not be provided at this location.  

• The second is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 23; in the East Wing of the Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St. Ride BBB Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, Rapid 3, Rapid 7 or Rapid 10. Parking is available at Civic Center Lot. Parking validation will be provided at this location.

• The third workshop is planned for 1-3 p.m. Thursday, July 24 in the multipurpose room at the Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Ride BBB Routes 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, Rapid 3, Rapid 7 or Rapid 10. Parking is available in the library garage (enter on 7th St. just north of Santa Monica Blvd.). Parking validation will be provided at this location.