What is this indicator?
Santa Monica’s award-winning bus line, the Big Blue Bus, provides a convenient and affordable public transportation option for Santa Monica residents and visitors. In addition, the second phase of the Metro Exposition Line is projected to open in early 2016, providing light rail service between Santa Monica and Downtown Los Angeles. Availability of transit is only one part of the equation; satisfaction and perception of transit as a viable alternative to solo driving determines its effectiveness at removing cars from the road.
This goal is measured by the percent of Santa Monica residents who are satisfied with the city’s public transportation services.
Why is it important?
Many of our environmental challenges are related to transportation. Improving satisfaction with public transportation, and thus encouraging ridership can have local and global environmental implications. Riding public transportation reduces traffic, improves air and water quality and saves riders money on car expenses.