Big Blue Bus Receives $3M TIRCP Grant for the Electrification of its Fleet

The California State Transportation Agency has announced that Big Blue Bus will receive a $3,050,000 grant for the purchase of 10 new zero-emissions battery electric buses (BEBs); funds will be provided through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program. This comes after a study session before the Santa Monica City Council on the electrification of BBB on April 24.

The projects selected for this round of TIRCP grants make great strides in helping California transform the state transportation system. This grant will help BBB launch its “Electric Blue” project aimed at further reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing ridership.

Through investments that support a transition to cleaner technology and providing efficient and reliable service along corridors serving disadvantaged and low-income communities, BBB will be moving closer to its 100 percent zero-emissions goal target of 2030. The new BEBs will enable BBB to complement existing service and continue providing critical first-last mile connectivity to Metro Rail stations throughout the Westside of Los Angeles.

"Receiving this grant is an important step in launching the Electric Blue pilot and getting us on the road to a 100 percent zero-emissions fleet as envisioned by the Santa Monica City Council. Our continued commitment to sustainability will play a significant role in reducing not only the city’s carbon footprint but our entire service area in our continuing effort to expand mobility options for our community," said Ed King, director of Transit Services.

TIRCP funding is provided through Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) and from the proceeds of the Cap and Trade program. The program provides major benefits towards meeting the State’s climate and air quality goals, with a total reduction of more than 32 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.