METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New BRT line supplements L.A. public transit network

Santa Monica's Rapid Blue service will transport passengers up to 30% faster than regular route buses.

May 1, 2005
2 min to read


The Santa Monica (Calif.) Big Blue Bus system has announced that it will add a new bus rapid transit (BRT) service in late June. Called “Rapid Blue,” the new service will transport passengers up to 30% faster than regular buses along a densely populated 8-mile corridor, which currently carries thousands of daily passengers on regular bus service. The route will begin in downtown Santa Monica and end at Los Angeles International Airport, taking riders through the beach cities of Santa Monica, Venice, Playa Vista and Marina del Rey. The current regular route along this same stretch also connects more than 800 riders a day with Metro’s Green Line rail station. The bus line will operate buses manufactured by New Flyer Industries. Routes will utilize the follow BRT features:

  • Low-floor buses with LNG propulsion

  • Luggage racks and reading lights

  • Signal priority

  • Bus-only lanes

  • Fewer stops

  • New logo and branding on buses and shelters “We’re finding that the public is becoming very open to new commuting alternatives, especially now that gas prices are higher and owning a vehicle is becoming so expensive,” said Stephanie Negriff, director of transit services for the Big Blue Bus. “When this new rapid line launches in June, we’ll have the ability to quickly transport thousands of commuters and visitors along one of the area’s busiest thoroughfares to other major transportation hubs around the county.” City officials have said that it’s hoped the Rapid Blue line will help to improve the public’s perception of transit in Los Angeles. The city is planning to open additional BRT lines in the future.

Topics:Management
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Management

Two MBTA railcars in station.

FTA Ends Direct Oversight of MBTA Safety Actions

The federal agency closed its remaining special directive to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities following a safety review that began in 2022.

Read More →
A WMATA bus at a transit center
Busby Alex RomanSeptember 21, 2026

Report: Transit Bus Manufacturing Supports 34,100 Jobs, $5.1B in GDP

The “Buses Mean Business” report examines the transit bus manufacturing industry’s economic footprint, supply chain, and rising demand for vehicle replacements.

Read More →
LIT 10-Year Anniversary Graphic
Managementby Alex RomanSeptember 17, 2026

LIT Marks 10-Year Milestone at Annual Summit

Hosted by the COTA from September 10 to 13, the Summit carried the theme “Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence, Leadership, and Impact,” with every part of the program honoring the people, agencies, and partners who built LIT over its first decade.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Third Generation Joins Dan Dipert Coaches Leadership Team
Managementby Alex RomanSeptember 17, 2026

People Movement: Dan Dipert Coaches Adds Third-Generation Leader, Keolis Names New Valley Metro VP/GM, and More

In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at the Wabtec, SilverRide, HNTB, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
AAAHI receiving METRO's Innovative Operator of the Year Award
Motorcoachby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

METRO Opens Submissions for 2026 Motorcoach Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year and Innovative Operator of the Year awards.

Read More →
A New York MTA subway car with an open gangway
Railby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 16, 2026

New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion

Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Transit Leaders Gather for National Safety Summit
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit

Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with text reading "NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 14, 2026

NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program at First Board Meeting

The new regional transit authority appointed its first board chair and interim executive director while extending reduced fares across CTA, Metra, and Pace for eligible riders.

Read More →
From Checklists to Better Outcomes
TechnologySeptember 11, 2026

Beyond the Checklist: A Structured Approach to Transit Maintenance

Reliability-Centered Maintenance helps transit agencies move beyond routine checklists to focus limited resources on the assets and failures that have the greatest impact on safety, reliability, and service.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A red, white, and blue graphic with the APTA logo and text reading "APTA Nominates 2026-2027 Chair & Vice Chair."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 10, 2026

APTA 2026 Nominating Committee Selects Leadership Slate, Names Chair and Vice Chair Nominees

Leadership changes will help shape the association’s priorities and its representation of the transportation industry during the 2026–2027 term.

Read More →