Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus is launching a $56 million program to expand its battery-electric fleet and charging infrastructure, with a goal of a fully zero-emission system by 2032.

The expansion is largely funded by a $53.3 million grant from California’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, enabling up to 195 electric buses for the Big Blue Bus network.

Electrification is expected to cut long-term fuel and maintenance costs and strengthen system resilience through modernized energy infrastructure.

Benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, better air quality, lower noise, and long-term cost savings alongside a more resilient transit energy backbone.

Officials emphasize a transformative shift in transit with strong partnerships and a clear roadmap toward zero-emission operation.

The initiative is anticipated to create local jobs in construction, engineering, and electrical work and to promote workforce training in clean energy technologies.

Moving to zero-emission buses will reduce harmful community emissions, improve health outcomes, and advance equitable access to clean transportation.

Construction began about 18 months after funding was secured, with the program progressing fleet electrification and operational modernization.

Officials—including the mayor and transportation director—frame the project as a transformational investment in public transit with wide health, sustainability, and efficiency benefits.

The project aligns with Santa Monica’s Sustainable City Plan and climate goals to reduce emissions and build a resilient, equitable transportation system.

A central feature is an overhead gantry charging system capable of powering up to 195 buses, expanding depot charging beyond the city’s current 34 battery-electric buses.

Big Blue Bus currently operates 34 battery-electric buses, with ongoing charging infrastructure construction targeting full electrification across the system by 2032.