June 29, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Big Blue Bus to Enhance Customer Experience with Safety and Security Improvements

Big Blue Bus (BBB) has announced its next phase of fleet upgrades, which include new amenities that enhance comfort, safety, and security for both customers and Motor Coach Operators, and further reduce vehicle emissions.

BBB will invest $18.3M in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and California Proposition 1B Bond funds to replace fifty (50) 40-foot New Flyer buses purchased between 2004 and 2006. Seven (7) 30-foot Gillig buses will be placed in service this week; an additional twenty (20) 40-foot Gillig buses will be delivered and commissioned in October 2018. The agency plans to commission an additional twenty-three (23) 40-foot Gillig buses by December 2019.

“We are making a significant investment to modernize one quarter of our fleet with new and exciting technology that will deliver a safer, more comfortable travel experience for customers and operators,” said Ed King, Director of Transit Services. “Further, reshaping our fleet with smaller, more agile 30-foot vehicles will create new opportunities for ridership growth by enabling us to safely and efficiently serve customers on narrower streets and corridors. The fleet enhancements are part of a larger series of strategic improvements we will roll out over the next 12-18 months.”

BBB customers can expect to see the following improvements on board the new fleet:

  • Sustainability: Buses will be equipped with Cummins-Westport Near-Zero engines and fueled by Renewable Natural Gas, to further reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) vehicle emissions over 90% by December 2018.

 

  • Passenger Awareness Monitor: A new 10-inch monitor will display a live feed from a security camera mounted near the front door. The monitor will enable customers to see themselves when boarding the bus, which will help increase safety and security for both customers and Operators, and deter crime and vandalism. The monitor will be integrated with the digital video recording (DVR) system on each bus, which consists of 14 cameras, located in both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
The Big Blue Bus’ new security monitors.
  • Wheelchair Securement: Buses will employ an ADA compliant, three-point securement system called the “Q-POD.” Its simplified operation will allow for quicker wheelchair securement times, reduced vehicle dwell time, and increased passenger comfort and safety. The system will also help reduce injuries caused by repetitive, labor-intensive processes.

  • Retractable Seating: Located near the Q-POD will be two (2) forward-facing seats that can be stowed in an upward position, allowing customers to safely store carts, strollers, suitcases, and other bulky items, while keeping the aisle clear.
Retractable seating.
  • Destination Signs: New silver LED destination signs are brighter and will be more visible to customers, especially in low-light conditions.

  • Electric Assist Power Steering: A new power steering system will make vehicles easier to maneuver for Operators, while reducing fatigue and enhancing customer safety. The system uses a smaller handwheel for greater comfort, and sensors to respond intelligently to changing vehicle and environmental conditions.

  • Slip Resistant Flooring: Buses will also feature durable and slip resistant flooring that allows for increased safety and easy maintenance.

The average age of BBB’s current fleet is less than 7 years old, outpacing an industry best practice of 8.5 years.

Photos courtesy of Big Blue Bus
<>Related Posts

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...

THIS SUNDAY: Palisades Symphony Presents “Best of Broadway”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The performance will feature a full orchestra playing iconic selections, from John Philip Sousa’s *El Capitan* and George Gershwin’s *The...

LAPD Updates Immigration FAQ to Clarify Enforcement Role

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The document, available in English and Spanish, outlines the department’s policies and limits regarding immigration status The Los Angeles Police...

Three Santa Monica College Student Films Selected for International Film Festival

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The LA Shorts International Film Festival, the city’s longest-running shorts festival, screens over 350 films annually and draws 10,000 attendees...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...

Suspect Charged by Los Angeles DA with Shooting of Santa Monica Cop and Teens

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Faces Attempted Murder Charges and Over 100 Years to Life in Prison if Convicted. Criminal charges have been filed against...

Muscle Beach History Pop-Up Exhibit to be Presented at Pier 360 Festival

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Visitors can view historical photographs, explore iconic stories, and watch a short documentary highlighting its athletic legacy The Santa Monica...

(Video) Welcome to the Urban Jungle — where nature meets the city and style meets soul

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

Whether you’re chasing that gritty city energy or carving out a green oasis in your space, we’re here to help...

Film Review: Materialists

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

FILM REVIEWMATERIALISTSRated R116 MinutesReleased June 13th Materialists is a story about relationships and commitments underscored by a question of depth....

Homeless Man Identified as Suspect in Recent WAYMO and Santa Monica Place Shootings

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

The suspect is being held at Santa Monica Jail with bail set at $1,000,000 Authorities have identified the suspect arrested...

Gladstones to Reopen After Suffering Partial Fire Damage, Offers Discounts to Locals

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

The eatery returns with a remodeled deck designed by an award-winning architect and a new mural Gladstones, a beloved seaside...