A major investment in clean transit is taking shape in Santa Monica, California. On April 9, officials broke ground on a $56 million project to expand Big Blue Bus’s zero-emission fleet and charging infrastructure, advancing the city’s push toward a fully electric system by 2032.

According to a release, the event brought together public officials, including California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin, agency and city leadership, and project partners to celebrate the start of construction and recognize the collaboration “advancing Santa Monica’s clean transportation future.”

The $56 million investment was largely funded through a $53.3 million grant from the State of California’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program. Infrastructure improvements are well underway, just 18 months after funding was secured.

Project Highlights and Systemwide Benefits

“This is what progress looks like. It’s practical, it’s measurable, and it’s moving us forward,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said. “This systemwide move to cleaner transit is something for our city and residents to be proud of. When transit is reliable and accessible, people choose it, and those choices add up to a healthier, more sustainable city.”

Clean transportation enhancements include:

• Charging infrastructure to support a fully zero-emission fleet: Construction of an advanced overhead gantry charging system capable of efficiently powering up to 195 buses.
• Economic opportunity and workforce development: The project supports local job creation through construction, engineering, and electrical work, while also advancing workforce training in clean energy and zero-emission vehicle technologies.
• Equity and community health benefits: Transitioning to zero-emission buses reduces harmful emissions in the communities Big Blue Bus serves, according to the agency, contributing to “improved public health outcomes and more equitable access to clean, reliable transportation.”
• Long-term cost efficiency and system resilience: The agency’s fleet electrification will reduce long-term fuel and maintenance costs while “strengthening operational resilience through modernized infrastructure and energy systems.”
• Accelerating fleet electrification and next-phase milestones: Big Blue Bus currently operates 34 battery-electric buses, marking significant progress toward a zero-emission fleet. With additional vehicles planned for procurement and charging infrastructure construction underway, the agency is advancing toward full systemwide electrification by 2032.

“This project represents more than an infrastructure investment — it’s a transformation of how we deliver transit service,” said Santa Monica Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta. “We’re building the foundation for a cleaner, more efficient system that benefits our riders, our workforce, and our community. With strong partnerships and a clear roadmap, Big Blue Bus is well-positioned to deliver a fully zero-emission system.”

This initiative aligns with Santa Monica’s Sustainable City Plan, which aims to advance the city’s broader sustainability and climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, expanding clean transportation, and fostering a more resilient and equitable community.