May 21, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Big Blue Bus Gets $53M for Electrification, Service Improvement

Grant to fund zero-emission fleet conversion, expanded transit service, and workforce training initiatives

The California State Transportation Agency announced Wednesday that Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus will receive a $53.3 million grant through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) to advance fleet electrification, expand service, and enhance workforce training.

The funding supports the phased implementation of Big Blue Bus’s Fleet Electrification Master Plan, which is set to convert the current fleet to 100% battery-electric, zero-emission vehicles by 2031. This $35.5 million phase will focus on essential infrastructure, including electric utility upgrades and a charging canopy at Big Blue Bus’s depot that can fully recharge electric buses within four hours.

Another $17.3 million of the grant will fund the purchase of 73 battery-electric buses, replacing older compressed natural gas vehicles. The new buses will feature ADA-accessible seating for approximately 40 passengers and improved bike racks.

Workforce development is also prioritized, with over $400,000 allocated for advanced training in high-voltage safety, offered in partnership with the California Transit Training Consortium.

The grant will additionally support improved service on Big Blue Bus’s Route 2 along Wilshire Boulevard, connecting to L.A. Metro’s D Line by 2027. The improvements will include an increase in service hours and frequency, reducing wait times to 10 minutes.

The TIRCP, which awarded funding to 27 transit agencies this cycle, aims to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles traveled, and traffic congestion. In 2023, Big Blue Bus received $22.9 million in TIRCP funding to launch earlier phases of its Fleet Electrification Master Plan.

in News, upbeat
Related Posts

Santa Monica Airport to Host Air Taxi Flights for VIPs and Fans During LA28

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025

The aircraft will also support emergency services and security operations While Santa Monica will no longer serve as a competition...

Getty Villa to Reopen Next Month with Mycenaean Civilization Exhibit

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025

The Villa will operate on a limited schedule of Fridays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with access...

$2.2M Awarded to LA County for Wildfire Prevention Ahead of 2025 Fire Season

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025

The grants mark the first disbursement of funds from Proposition 4, a bond measure that provides millions for wildfire resilience...

(Video) Classic Cars and Hot Rods Showcased During Santa Monica Pier’s Locals Night

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

It Was The Last Locals Night of the Season It Was The Last Locals Night of the Season. pic.twitter.com/mUo6hMJpPZ —...

Last Thursdays Concert Series Returning to Venice Boardwalk

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Shows will take place by the pergolas on the north end of the boardwalk at Dudley Ave., facing the beach...

Pedestrian Struck by Sports Car Near Marina del Rey, CHP Investigating: REPORT

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

The pedestrian was reported down in the roadway, and medical crews were immediately dispatched A pedestrian was struck by a...

Officials Urge Vigilance as Coyote Sightings Rise in Santa Monica

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

The surge in activity is believed to be tied to the Palisades Fire, which burned significant areas of the Santa...

Marina del Rey’s 50th Annual Halibut Derby to Feature Weigh-Ins, Prizes, Jackpot Contests and More

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

Prizes will be awarded across a range of categories, including heaviest halibut, heaviest fish overall, and heaviest white seabass The...

Hollywood Man Charged in Deadly Attempted Robbery on 3rd Street Promenade

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

Santa Monica Police Say Planned After-Hours Sale Turned Violent Hollywood resident Karen Melikyan, 41, has been arrested and charged in...

Venice Shorts: The Debacle on Washington Boulevard Continues

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

County Does Nothing, Nearly 40 RVs Permamently Parked as VNC Remains Mum & Silent The prevalence of RVs and encampments...

Elon Musk’s Tesla Renews Santa Monica Lease for 82,000-Square-Foot Service Center

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

Tesla Keeps California Roots with Santa Monica Service Center Renewal Despite relocating its corporate headquarters to Texas, Tesla has reaffirmed...

(Video) Venice Beach Holds Inaugural Half Marathon and 5K on Boardwalk

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

The Event Drew Hundreds of Participants and Included Multiple Race Categories The Event Drew Hundreds of Participants and Included Multiple...

Historic ‘Parry Residence’ in Pacific Palisades Lists for $25M

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

It is one of the earliest homes constructed in the Huntington Palisades and was prominently featured in a 1930 issue...

10-Unit Venice Townhouse with Ocean Views Listed for $6M

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

Built in 1975, the 14,025-square-foot structure sits on a 7,971-square-foot corner lot  A 10-unit townhouse complex just steps from the...