As the summer season swings into full gear, millions of visitors flock to the beach and numerous attractions, and bring along a significant increase in vehicles and traffic congestion. The American Public Transportation Association (ATPA) reports that 2012 experienced a seven percent increase in Americans planning “staycations.”
To help minimize traffic challenges and parking woes this summer, the Big Blue Bus invites tourists and residents alike to Ride Blue. Suja Lowenthal, transit government and community relations manager, explains, “The Travel like a Local campaign is designed to encourage everyone to get out of their cars and jump into a Big Blue Bus to experience both Santa Monica and Los Angeles through a different lens.”
This newly launched campaign offers insider tips on using Big Blue Bus and other modes of public transportation in the area for recreational activities this summer. Taking the Big Blue Bus is affordable and provides easy access to major landmarks and attractions. You can easily plan a day trip without the hassle of driving or finding parking: grab lunch on Historic Main Street, snap photos along the iconic Santa Monica Pier, then head into Downtown Los Angeles to visit the new Grand Park or Walt Disney Concert Hall and return to Santa Monica for dinner and an evening stroll along the Promenade.
Riders can share videos or photos of their Big Blue Bus travels on Instagram using the hashtags #BBBlocal or #RideBlueGoGreen. Big Blue Bus released their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to help both new and regular riders travel like locals by posting timely service alerts, tips on where to go for local fun and deals, and facts and photos to keep riders entertained.
ATPA projects that 73 percent of those planning to visit a city this summer will take public transportation so they won’t have to worry about finding parking. As Lowenthal puts it, “Riding Blue helps you keep cool and be cool at the same time!”
