Two veteran transit professionals with more than 50 combined years of experience have joined Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus management team.
Larry Jamieson and Eddie Benson join the BBB at a pivotal time in its history, as the agency is upgrading the majority of its fleet and prepares to interface with EXPO Light Rail, according to Ed King, director of the Big Blue Bus.
“This is a critical time for the Big Blue Bus as we lay the foundation for the next decade of service, including the intersection of bus and rail service on the Westside of L.A. Strong, experienced transit veterans like Larry and Eddie will help steer us in the right direction,” King said.
Jamieson has signed on as BBB’s Transit Operations Manager.
Most recently he worked at AC Transit in Oakland, CA as Assistant Director of Transportation/Chief of Protective Services.
During his time in Oakland, Jamieson supervised approximately 1,300 bus operators, 47 supervisors, and managed operations between four separate facilities.
Prior to his service in Oakland, Jamieson worked for Long Beach Transit in Long Beach, CA as the Operations Manager, where he had direct oversight of 500 bus operators and 25 supervisors.
At BBB Jamieson will lead the delivery of quality service on the road by Santa Monica’s 275 bus operators and the 17 supervisors.
Benson is the newest member of the team and will be serving as Maintenance Manager. During his 25 years with Capital Metro in Austin, TX, he worked his way from mechanic to shop supervisor, superintendent and finally Assistant Director of Maintenance.
During his tenure he was responsible for managing annual budgets in excess of $54 million and oversaw fixed route, paratransit and support vehicle maintenance operations for 417 vehicles across two maintenance garages. In addition to managing the fleet, Benson led 196 employees including mechanics, front line supervisors, superintendents, data analysts, service writers, parts clerks, training staff and administrative employees.
“I enjoy empowering and motivating employees and building external relationships,” Benson said. “I look forward to sharing a strong background in working closely with the workforce to the Big Blue Bus.”
Benson will oversee the ongoing upgrade of the Big Blue Bus fleet, as well as all facility and bus stop maintenance for over one thousand BBB stops throughout the Greater West Side of Los Angeles.
King has been building the Big Blue Bus’ management team since he took the helm in August of 2011.
Jamieson and Benson will both report to Patrick Campbell, who joined as Chief Operations Officer in November 2011.
In addition to Jamieson, and Benson coming onboard, the BBB is currently recruiting for two more key managerial positions to oversee the Safety and Training and Government and Community Relations divisions.
