Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus will implement the first changes of the year to its service on Feb. 12.
The transit department only makes adjustment to schedules and routes three times annually: in February, June and August.
While the previous service change in August 2011 saw substantial adjustments, this time only minor schedule and stop changes will be implemented.
“While we continue to analyze performance from the last service change, there will be no substantial adjustments this time around,” said Ed King, director of the Big Blue Bus. He added “we look forward to spending the next several months focusing on improving delivery of our current services.”
For example, Santa Monica College’s spring semester starts on Monday, February 13. BBB staff will monitor the traditional increase in student ridership during the first few weeks of the semester to ensure there are enough buses on the road to transport riders, especially along the busy local Route 7, Rapid 7, and Sunset Ride services.
Transit staff and safety officers will also be on-site near the Main Campus and John Adams Middle School to ensure pedestrian safety and facilitate the flow of traffic.
Big Blue Bus riders should be aware of the following, going into effect on Sunday, February 12:
– Route 4: The weekday schedule remains the same. There will be some schedule changes on weekends and holidays. Trips to downtown Santa Monica that change into Route 8 trips to UCLA will now do so from Broadway at 4th St. (instead of Broadway at 2nd St.)
– Rapid 7: In response to rider demand, new stops will be added on Pico at Avenue of the Stars in both directions. There will be no schedule changes.
– Route 8: There will be minor schedule changes. Also, service will end on 6th at Broadway (there will still be service to stops on Broadway at 4th and on 2nd St. at Colorado).
– Rapid 10: There will be minor schedule changes.
Changes proposed at community meetings in March and September of 2011 regarding Route 5, Route 12 and Super 12 are still being considered for implementation, but none of them are likely to begin prior to August 2012.
Riders with questions or feedback about the above changes should contact Big Blue Bus customer service at 310.451.5444 or bus-info@smgov.net.
