SANTA MONICA—Starting August 29, the Big Blue Bus lines will increase the cash fare for both students and regular passengers. The prices will be going up from 75 cents to $1 per ride and Express lines from $1.75 to $2. There will also be an increase for seniors, the disabled and Medicare passengers who board the bus and pay cash. The cost per trip will go up from 25 cents to 50 cents.
As far as transfers go, the cost will be 50 cents for usual passengers and students, and 25 cents for seniors and others that are eligible.
Staff members and students who attend Santa Monica College will be eligible to ride the bus for free with a valid school ID, under the “Any Line, Any Time” program, established and paid for by the college and the Associated Students.
The new “value-added passes” can be purchased online through the bus company’s new web store at bigbluebus.myshopify.com.
The BBB is introducing new passes that consist of
- 13 rides being sold for the price of 12 trips
- A 30-day pass that offers unlimited rides for $80
- A 30-day pass for local trips only is also available for students and senior/disabled/Medicare passengers
With the increase in fare, plan officials hope that the new passes will persuade bus riders to purchase them for the months ahead. This makes the fare collection process easier, while also helping to maintain the bus schedules on time.
