Agenda - City of Santa Monica

5. Bus Stops: As noted above, the Metro Rapid bus stop located at Ocean Avenue and
Colorado Avenue is one of the busiest bus stops in Santa Monica. The Colorado
Esplanade has been designed to accommodate buses and bus riders and to
facilitate connections to and from the station. City staff is working with Big Blue Bus
and Metro, in coordination with the Expo Construction Authority as necessary, to
locate convenient and appropriate bus facilities near the station and the Esplanade.
PWP and sub-consultant Fehr & Peers completed a bus reroute feasibility study to
survey, map and provide route recommendations in coordination with Big Blue Bus
and Metro regarding all bus routes affected by the one way configuration of
Colorado Avenue. Routes affected by the reconfiguration of Colorado Avenue west
of 5th Street include: BBB Line 5, and Metro 20, 33, 534, 720 and 733. Metro and
Big Blue Bus are continuing to work on rerouting priorities to provide optimal service.
Funding: The proposed bus stop and sidewalk on Ocean Avenue south of Colorado
is proposed to be added to the core project utilizing transit funds available through
the Village Development Agreement to enhance the sidewalk adjacent to one of the
most active bus stops in the City.
Public Outreach
The project team has engaged a wide range of City Boards and Commissions, including
Planning, Landmarks, Recreation and Parks, Senior Community and Disabilities
Commissions, and the Urban Forest Task Force. P resentations were made to key
stakeholders, including the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, Santa Monica Spoke,
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. and the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau.
This project has also involved almost every City department, including public safety
officials and the Big Blue Bus as well as close coordination with Metro and the Expo
Construction Authority. All of these stakeholders have expressed overall support, and
the final design has benefited from their refinements.
Planning Commission Review
The Planning Commission reviewed the final design at the June 6, 2012, meeting and
unanimously supported the roadway changes and d esign progression. Although the
Urban Forest Master Plan gives Council authority over streetscape design, the
Commission suggested that the project team consult with the Urban Forest Task Force
to recommend a species for the street tree, which has occurred in the last few months.
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