To purchase battery-electric buses to replace aging buses that have met their useful life in age at the time of delivery

The City of Santa Monica, operating as Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, received an $81.2 million Formula Grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507), awarded on August 11, 2025, with a completion date of December 31, 2029. The primary purpose of this award is to procure battery-electric buses to replace aging transit vehicles that have reached the end of their useful service life. The City will execute this procurement through the State of Washington Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, with no subrecipient involvement planned.

The grant supports Santa Monica Big Blue Bus's objective to modernize its fleet while achieving compliance with zero-emission transit mandates. Expected outcomes include reducing traffic congestion, improving operational efficiency through newer vehicles, and delivering benefits to commuters, residents, and employees throughout the service area. This funding represents the agency's continued investment in sustainable public transportation infrastructure and reinforces the FTA's commitment to supporting urbanized transit systems in achieving environmental and operational objectives.

Activities

Staff will purchase battery-electric buses through the state of washington cooperative purchasing agreement.

Expected outcomes

Expected outcomes include reducing congestion improve efficiency with newer buses compliance with zero-emission mandate will be achieved through this award.

Intended beneficiaries

Intended beneficiaries include commuters residents and employees would receive benefits.

Subrecipient activities

The city of santa monica does not intend to subaward funds.