March 25, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

New Director for Santa Monica Bus System:

Edward F. King, current executive director of the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, has been chosen to replace Stephanie Negriff as Santa Monica’s new director of the Big Blue Bus, the City’s system of public transportation.

“Ed King is an exceptional manager with a proven track record in operations management and transportation planning for several large organizations,” said City Manager Rod Gould in a statement announcing the appointment on July 21. “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.”

During his tenure as executive director of the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, he oversaw all regional and fixed route transit services as well as the capital program for procurement of buses, para-transit vehicles, trolleys, and bus stop amenities. He focused on operational and funding management improvements including increasing system-wide ridership and on-time performance. Before becoming director of the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, King was deputy director of Valley Metro Regional Public Transit Authority in Phoenix, Ariz. where he oversaw transit operations, fleet and facility maintenance, customer service, and capital programs. He also served as vice president, operations, and system security for Long Beach Transit; deputy executive director for operations for Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority in Clearwater, Fla.; general manager of operations for Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority for Tampa, Fla.; and deputy director North Suburban Mass Transit District of Des Plaines, Ill.

“I am honored to have been selected as the next director of the Big Blue Bus for the City of Santa Monica,” said King. “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.”

King received a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Roosevelt University, in Chicago. He and his wife have three grown children.

As Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus director, King will receive a base salary of $182,040. The Big Blue Bus Department has 419 employees; and an annual budget of $58.9 million. It oversees transit service delivery to over 22 million customers a year, and a system that spans 52 square miles across the most densely populated area of Los Angeles County. The appointment follows a nationwide recruitment that attracted more than 50 candidates and interviews with seven finalists over the past month.

in News
Related Posts

Santa Monica Pet Hotel Hosts Puppy-Friendly St. Patty’s Day Party

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

A new pet hotel in Santa Monica recently hosted a St. Patrick’s Day party for local dogs. Check out all...

Santa Monica Mountains Largest Ever Restoration Project Nears Completion After 7,000 Hours of Volunteer Work

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

Final planting event will be held Saturday, March 25 at 9 a.m. for the park’s largest ever restoration project After...

California Appeals Court Rules Uber and Lyft Can Classify Drivers as Independent Contractors

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

Proposition 22 exempted ride-share companies from certain labor laws, court rules in favor of the companies By Sam Catanzaro ​​A...

Film Review – Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

FILM REVIEWOPERATION FORTUNE: Ruse de GuerreRated R114 MinutesReleased March 3rd Now that the season of weighty Oscar contender films is...

Santa Monica Uses Innovative Water Recycling Facility to Capture and Store Rainwater

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

City’s Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project reducing reliance on imported water and sets a model for future projects Santa Monica has...

Shuttered Santa Monica Loews Hotel to Rebrand and Reopen as a Regent Hotel

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Hotel’s new operator announces plans for $4 million renovation, including rebranding and upgrading accessibility for guests with disabilities By Dolores...

Three Arrested for Identity Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, and Grand Theft in Santa Monica

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Suspects found with over 20 stolen cellphones, credit cards, and identification Three individuals were arrested in Santa Monica for identity...

Proposal for Improved Communication With Street Vendors Sparks Contentious Debate in City Council Meeting

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Councilmembers divided over proposal calling for City Manager to engage in meaningful consultation with authorized vendors regarding sidewalk vending policies...

Former Bank Building in Santa Monica Becomes a Food Destination with Addition of Katsu Bar

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Katsu Bar joins Paderia and Oakberry in the transformation of the 3032 Wilshire building By Dolores Quintana Katsu Bar has...

Survey: Should Officials Remove Barriers to Outdoor Dining?

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the way we live our lives, and one of the most significant impacts has been...

Gasolina Cafe Owner, Sandra Cordero, to Open New Tapas Bar in Santa Monica

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Tapas bar expected to open late spring in former Heroic Italian space at 516 Santa Monica Boulevard  Sandra Cordero, the...

California’s AB 1217 Could Supersede Costly Outdoor Dining Permits Proposed by Municipalities

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

Legislation would preempt local ordinances and preserve regulatory flexibility for struggling neighborhood restaurants By Sam Catanzaro A new bill proposed...

Emerging Artist Jesse Liu Opens First-Ever Exhibition in Venice Gallery

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

“Spring Fever” currently on display at Yiwei Gallery By Keemia Zhang Local artist Jesse Liu has opened her first solo...

Santa Monica Place Invites LGBTQIA+ Artisans to Apply for Made With PRIDE Marketplace

March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

Partnering with Streetlet, the marketplace will take place each weekend in June and showcase local goods made in Southern California....

Santa Monica Councilmember Phil Brock Appointed to National League of Cities Council on Youth, Education, and Families

March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

Brock to collaborate with group of local leaders to develop and guide programs for communities across the country Santa Monica...