By Lookout Staff

April 11, 2024 --- The Big Blue Bus will hold two public hearings next week to discuss enhancing service by increasing frequency and adding hours of operation, City transit officials announced Thursday.

The planning initiative -- "Brighter Blue" -- will help the municipal bus system "adapt to evolving rider needs and travel behavior post-pandemic," transit officials said.

The proposed changes are "aimed to make transportation more accessible, convenient, and efficient," officials said.

“We are advancing our engagement process to ensure that future Big Blue Bus service aligns with community needs, promotes greater access to high-quality bus and rail service in our region and attracts new riders to our system,” said Transportation Director Anuj Gupta.

“I am looking forward to implementing what we have heard in order to continue to improve our service to the community,” Gupta said.

The proposed changes "reflect themes identified through stakeholder focus groups, surveys, and written feedback," officials said.

During the public input "riders have consistently emphasized the importance of improved frequency, expanded service hours, and greater connectivity to essential destinations."

The proposed enhancements would:

• Increase frequency to 15 minutes or better on a network of key Big Blue Bus routes on major corridors;
  
  
• Expand service hours to allow for all-day travel on weekdays (5 a.m. – 11 p.m.) and weekends (6 a.m. – 10 p.m.);
  
  
• Broaden travel opportunities by introducing weekend service on select weekday-only routes, and
  
• Ensure direct access to current and planned Metro Rail D Line, C Line and K Line stations, and the future LAX People Mover

Community members are encouraged to review the draft service changes and provide feedback at two public hearings -- one online the other in-person -- that will begin with a brief presentation followed by public comment.

The online hearing will take place Tuesday, April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. The in-person hearing will be held Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Thelma Terry Building at Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Avenue.

To attend a public hearing, register at brigherbluebbb.com. Those unable to attend may provide input via an online survey.

Written comments may also be submitted by mail to Big Blue Bus, 1660 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401, Attn: Alfredo Torales, Transit Planning and Performance, or by email to brighterblue@santamonica.gov.

Written comments will be accepted between April 15 and May 24.

"All comments will be carefully reviewed by the Big Blue Bus team, and adjustments may be made to the proposed service changes based on the feedback received," transit officials said.

For more information about the proposed service changes and Brighter Blue, visit brigherbluebbb.com.