Big Blue Bus integrating new customer amenities

Big Blue Bus (BBB) will be bringing added amenities to its network by mid-2019 based on input from riders gathered through outreach efforts to determine what customers wanted to see on the network. 

BBB will retrofit 190 high-volume bus stops with solar-powered real-time signs and LED lights. Additionally, customers can now access free Wi-Fi onboard 19 of BBB's newest 40-foot buses. Additional retrofits for Wi-Fi are planned and it will become standard on all new buses. 

“Through our community engagement efforts, our customers helped us prioritize investments, which included Wi-Fi, improved bus stop safety through lighting and the addition of real-time information. In revamping the 190 high-volume stops, we aim to enhance the customer experience by taking the guesswork out of riding transit. The new additions combined with existing real-time signs means that 76 percent of all Big Blue Bus customers will soon have access to bus arrival information,” said Ed King, director of Transit Services.

The solar-powered real-time signs with LED lights will be installed at 166 city of Los Angeles bus stops and 10 city of Santa Monica large bus shelters. Additionally, solar-powered LED lights will be added to 14 small bus shelters in Santa Monica. BBB says these stops average 26,908 daily pick-ups in total – each weekday, improving the bus stop experience for 61 percent of all customers systemwide.

BBB conducted an online survey where more than 500 customers voted for upgrades at preferred bus stop locations. According to BBB, in addressing an essential need for improved safety, reliability of information and convenience in BBB’s service area, customers can look forward to the following: 

• Enhanced Customer Safety
• Equipped with two push-button activated LED lights.
• Increased customer safety and enhanced customer visibility in low-light conditions.
• Greater Access to Real-Time Information
• Bus arrival information can be easily read in daylight.
• When the push-button is activated, a text-to-speech audio annunciator will inform customers when the next bus is arriving.
• Information displayed will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) character size requirements.
• Signs will be programmed to display timely information about detours and bus stop closures.

BBB says the real-time signs, lights and audio are powered by renewable energy, which is generated through solar panels located above each sign; the signs are fully manufactured in the U.S., using recycled aluminum and non-toxic batteries.