Santa Monica Big Blue Bus

[bzcat]

On 6/20/2015 at 9:32 AM, septa105R5/seClip9 said:

From 4/8/2015, Santa Monica is proposing for four new Gillig Advantage Low Floor (likely BRT) CNG buses to replace existing 40 foot buses for new Route 43 because of tight streets as smaller buses can maneuver them

http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/April-2015/04_10_2015_Santa_Monica_Replacing_Buses_For_Expo_Line.html

Looks like the 30ft Gilligs have been delivered and are already in revenue service.

[Millennium2002]

OMG. That looks adorable lol

[bzcat]

On 6/16/2016 at 8:45 PM, Millennium2002 said:

OMG. That looks adorable lol

It sure does! The short chassis and big wheels combo looks like a Great Dane puppy... short body but huge paws.

[JAX Transit 2000]

ALL of the 2000 MCI D4500s #5501-5504 are sold to a private contractor in Miami  for the Miami Dade Transit Routes

 

[LDCY]

Took a few pics while I was in Santa Monica 2 years ago.

Interesting edge city system. Really like the idea that the express service go out of the city limit and head all the way to Central LA / major rail transfer point.

 

 

 

 

[John Sulu]

Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus #5180 was the last GM New Look ever built and it is preserved at the Museum of Bus Transportation in Hershey, PA.

[scrtdfan80]

Does local line 3 uses nabi 60 brt buses on the weekends?

[scrtdfan80]

Disregard this comment. I just found out local line 3 does use articulated buses on the weekends.

[Glennwood Road Ent.]

Big Blue Bus has evaluated two main options for zero-emissions propulsion of its buses in an effort to decarbonize its fleet by 2030. Both hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric buses have been considered. Big Blue Bus is installing charging for 100+ buses at its depot using a canopy with overhead reel dispensers, making battery-electric its preferred choice. 2010 and 2011 El Dorado EZR II- BRT 32' CNG models are currently up for replacement with 15 additional battery-electric vehicles.

 

[Glennwood Road Ent.]

Big Blue Bus in 2018 committed to only purchasing zero-emission vehicles moving forward, following the success of the pilot of Gillig's prototype battery electric bus, BBB #1827. Although largely used on Rapid 12, the current Gillig EV models are only to maintain 4 to 5 hours of consecutive service before requiring a recharge, so BBB's range threshold will significantly influence the choice of future purchase. The second batch of battery-electric buses are expected in 2024. Full electrification deadline is 2030. Big Blue Bus' Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan's original draft was approved.

Planned future deliveries by BBB according to BBB's Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan[12]

Planned Year of Purchase Bus Category Quantity Fuel BBB Required Operational Range Status Possible Models Notes

2022 Standard 5 Battery-electric 200mi Purchase approved 

Gillig Low Floor Plus Battery Electric

New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE NG/FC

BYD K9M

Proterra ZX5

Most likely electric

Given BBB's current preference for Gillig, next generation Gillig/Akasol 40ft Low Floor Plus is the most likely candidate if range requirement is met by next-gen batteries

Funding for this purchase was granted in 2023[9]

These busses to be deployed on routes 3 and Rapid 3[9]

2023 10 

Given backlog of purchases planned for 2022, purchases not likely until 2024-2025

New Flyer CHARGE NG for articulated busses contingent upon current battery-electric range growing

9 TBD Planned

Articulated 21 

BYD K11M

New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE NG/FC

2025 Standard 45 

Gillig Low Floor Plus Battery Electric

New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE NG/FC

BYD K9M

Proterra ZX5

Given BBB's current preference for Gillig, next generation Gillig/Akasol 40ft Low Floor Plus is the most likely candidate if range requirement is met by next-gen batteries

2026 13

2027 15

Articulated 7 

BYD K11M

New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE NG/FC

New Flyer CHARGE NG for articulated busses contingent upon current battery-electric range growing

2028 Standard 5 

Gillig Low Floor Plus Battery Electric

New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE NG/FC

BYD K9M

Proterra ZX5

Given BBB's current preference for Gillig, next generation Gillig/Akasol 40ft Low Floor Plus is the most likely candidate if range requirement is met by next-gen batteries

2029 20

2030 19

7 Battery-electric[12] 

Gillig Low Floor Plus Battery Electric

New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE NG

BYD K9M

Proterra ZX5

 

[octabusfan92]

Santa Monica Big Blue Bus to put safety officers on buses. They will mostly be placed on high ridership routes and popular bus stops. They will be unarmed and will be identified by the black uniforms. They will be prepared to:

• Assist riders with navigating the regional bus and rail network 
• Provide guidance on Big Blue Bus fares and payment methods 
• Address safety and maintenance concerns reported by passengers 
• Offer support and resource materials to passengers in need 
• Educate riders about Big Blue Bus's Code of Conduct and ensure adherence 
• Improve overall conditions for Big Blue Bus riders 

(from Mass Transit Magazine)

The safety officer program is one of several initiatives by Big Blue Bus to ensure riders to feel confident and comfortable riding the system

[Oc4526]

17 hours ago, octabusfan92 said:

• Assist riders with navigating the regional bus and rail network 
• Provide guidance on Big Blue Bus fares and payment methods 
• Address safety and maintenance concerns reported by passengers 
• Offer support and resource materials to passengers in need 
• Educate riders about Big Blue Bus's Code of Conduct and ensure adherence 
• Improve overall condition

Added some colour ( origanal text was white )

[Mitchell Libby]

Update for delivery slated for next year:

2025 Gillig Low Floor Plus EV 35' #2401-2415

Replacements for 2010-12 ENC 32' CNG buses