July 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Big Blue Bus Line Begins Accepting Metro TAP Cards:

Public transit on the Westside got a little easier, but remains somewhat confusing, as the Big Blue Bus line began accepting fare cards used by Metro trains and buses.

New equipment on Big Blue Bus coaches now accept TAP cards, the prepaid Metro fare swipe cards used on most buses and all light rail and subway cards in the county.

Metro officials said the system was due to be turned on in March, but tested OK now and was switched on early, on Thursday.

“This is good news for Metro, as the Big Blue Bus is one of the largest municipal bus operators in Los Angeles County,” said Metro spokesman Steve Hymon, writing in the official Metro blog.

Despite its ownership by the City of Santa Monica, the Big Blue Bus is a major transit agency for the Westside, running buses into downtown Los Angeles, the Mid City district of L.A., LAX and Westwood.

Its express service is a busy link between UCLA and the Expo Line’s temporary terminus at Culver City. It also runs express service from Santa Monica and West L.A. to the Purple Line subway on Wilshire Boulevard, and on the Santa Monica (10) Freeway to downtown and Union Station.

The common fare card may make some things like transfers easier, Hymon said it can be a bit confusing when figuring out the fare.

Passengers starting their trips on a Big Blue Bus will still need to pay the 50 cent transfer fee for the next Metro ride in coin, and ask for a paper or swipe card transfer to get on the next Metro bus or train.

Passengers starting their trips on an MTA train or bus can use their TAP card to pay for the transfer, but must specify that they need a 50 cent deduction when they enter the train station or bus. The TAP card then will get them on the Big Blue Bus.

And, Big Blue Bus still does not sell transfers from one BBB ride to another.

in News
<>Related Posts

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...