July 14, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

They’re Back! Bus Bench Seats Resurrected From the Dead:

 

Less than 10 months after Santa Monica City decided to rip out most of the metal bus seats at City bus stops as part of an-almost $8 million initiative, the simple four-seaters are making a stealthy return; six bench seats have reappeared in Santa Monica over the past 10 days, complete with a fresh coat of blue paint.

According to Santa Monica City Councilmember Kevin McKeown and Recreation & Parks Commissioner Phil Brock, Big Blue Bus (BBB) initiated the return of the bench seats in response to a groundswell of community backlash against the single-seat program.

“The Big Blue Bus has begun a pilot project at six heavily-used bus stops to reintroduce bench seating,” McKeown explained. “This is in addition to the modifications that continue to improve seating at all stops, such as backrests and armrests. “

Public forums and grass-root sentiment in Santa Monica has seen residents complain about the single seats that began replacing benches across the city mid last year as part of the Bus Stop Improvement Project (BSIP). “Artistic canopies, seating and real-time arrival information coming to a bus stop near you,” according to BBB.

“I hate the little stools!,” Suzanne Robertson posted on Facebook. “I have a 19-month-old grandson who is active, fast, can’t sit still and loves to watch buses. I want to take him on a bus ride on the Big Blue Bus but I am afraid to because I can’t hold [him] while he sits on a stool 18 inches away from the stool I am sitting on,” she posted.

Welcoming the return of the bench seat, Robertson’s comments are echoed by many.

“That is what they should have done in the first place,” posted Laura Wilson, “and used the 7 million they wasted to install efficient real time notifications for all to see and know when the next bus is coming.”

Many of Santa Monica’s old silver benches are being installed at BBB stops in Los Angeles, LA county and Culver City, Brock stated.

“It’s ironic that the benches were removed from SM and have been moved to other cities,” Brock said. “A number of our silver benches were also sold to other cities. However, the Big Blue Bus is willing to go back to the City Council and request that more of the benches be installed [in Santa Monica] if they hear positive feedback.”

“I am pleased that at least some of the bus stops will have benches,” commented Santa Monica City Councilmember Sue Himmelrich. “Hindsight is always 20/20, and while I do think the grant for the bus stops should have been vetted more thoroughly for design, I always try to move forward and prevent something like this from happening again.”

While Himmelrich was not part of City Council who voted in the new designs, some who were say that there is need for both the single and bench seat options.

“We have a mix of seating choices, some with protective canopies. Some of the major stops have bus arrival info displayed,” commented Councilmember Pam O’Connor. “If you look at the way people use the benches you’ll see that seldom do four people sit next to each other on the benches.  Rarely do three people. Most usage is two people with space between,” O’Connor added.

The new-old four-seaters can be found at these Santa Monica locations:

• 4th NB & Wilshire NS

• 4th SB & Wilshire FS

• 4th NB & Santa Monica NS

• 4th SB & Santa Monica FS

• Lincoln SB & Ocean Park FS

• Santa Monica WB & 22nd NS

The “return of the benches” pilot program will last six months, according to McKeown, with their future depending on community feedback.

To have your say on the bus seats, or anything BBB related, head to: smgov.net/sm_go.aspx and click on Big Blue Bus, or call 310.451.5444.  

in News
<>Related Posts

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...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...