The Santa Monica Department of Transportation kept a busy schedule over the 2023-2024 fiscal year, making gains on Big Blue Bus (BBB) ridership and feeding into the City of Santa Monica’s priorities list.
In its annual report, the DOT noted that BBB ridership was up 11% from the prior fiscal year, with total 23-24 ridership at just over 8.6 million. Weekday ridership was up 12%, while Saturday and Sunday passenger counts made gains of 6% and 9% respectively.
The most popular BBB routes, per the report, were Route 7 (Pico Blvd), Route 1 (Main St & Santa Monica Blvd), Route 3 (Lincoln Blvd) and Rapid 12 (UCLA/Westwood to Expo). Despite the Rapid 12’s popularity, the route was the most on-time of all BBB routes, with 79% of buses arriving at their scheduled time.
Overall, buses kept the same on-time performance as the prior year at 69%. Along with the Rapid 12, the most on-time routes were Route 43 (San Vicente Blvd & 26th St) and Route 41 (SMC - 17th St Station - Montana Ave). BBB safety was noted as an improvement in the report, with preventable accidents per 100,000 miles traveled going down from 3.1 in 22-23 to 2.6.
The BBB success was part of a year that also introduced its Transit Safety Officer program as well as 19 battery electric buses into service. Santa Monica DOT Director Anuj Gupta said he was “proud to reflect on the remarkable progress” made in “creating a more connected, safe, and sustainable transportation network.”
“From expanding our pedestrian and bike infrastructure to deploying our electric bus fleet, our efforts have been guided by a commitment to equity, safety, and environmental stewardship,” Gupta added. “These achievements are a testament to the collaborative spirit of our team and our partners, working together to make Santa Monica a model for resilient urban mobility.”
Other achievements from the annual DOT report included 3.8 lane miles of new and upgraded bike lanes in the city, 72 curb ramps upgraded to ADA standards, 222 crosswalks refreshed, $28.3 million in grants secured and 90,000 parking permits issued.
The DOT was recognized for its work by several organizations. The Safe Streets for 17th Street and Michigan Avenue project received the 2023 Complete Streets Award from Save California Streets, the DOT’s Active Aging Pilot Program was given the American Planning Association Excellence in Sustainability Quality of Life Award, and the DOT’s Mobility on Demand Every Day (MODE) program received the 2024 National Council on Aging Innovator Award.
Gupta said the DOT’s focus in the next year will “be building upon this momentum,” committing to the implementation of the BBB Brighter Blue 5 Year Plan and beginning to prepare for international events like the 2026 World Cup and LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We are dedicated to advancing projects that improve access to opportunity for all residents, enhance roadway safety, and further reduce our city’s carbon footprint,” Gupta added. “Together, we will continue to create a transportation system that not only meets the needs of today, but also paves the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
