For a limited time, buy one Big Blue Bus pass, and get a second pass for free (aka BOGO). During BOGO, it’s easy to try Big Blue as your connection to Expo.
How can I BOGO?
There are two ways to BOGO*:
- Add any Big Blue Bus pass to a TAP (Transit Access Pass) card and we’ll provide you with another pass for free.
- Add Stored Value on a TAP card and we’ll match your value for free so you can ride Big Blue Bus and Expo, up to $20 free value.
*Please note, to participate in BOGO you must load Big Blue Bus passes or Stored Value on TAP. TAP cards are available for purchase and cost $2 each.Â
When can I BOGO?
Mark your calendar! BOGO starts on Friday, May 13th and is only available while supplies last.
Where can I BOGO?
Purchase BOGO and the Santa Monica limited edition TAP cards at:
- Blue: the Transit Store (1444 4th St.) from 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday.
- Mobility Center inside Santa Monica City Hall (1685 Main St.) from 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Thursday and Fridays from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Which passes are available during BOGO?
Big Blue Bus fare products included in the BOGO promotion are:
- Regular Day Pass
- Senior/Disabled/Medicare** Day Pass
- Regular 7 Day Pass
- Regular 13 Rides Pass
- Senior/Disabled/Medicare 13 Rides Pass
- Regular 30 Day Pass
- Senior/Disabled/Medicare 30 Day Pass
- Youth 30 Day Pass
- Regular 30 Day Express Pass
- Senior/Disabled/Medicare 30 Day Express Pass
- TAP Stored Value
**Senior/Disable/Medicare riders may load reduced rate passes on special reduced-fare TAP cards. Click here to learn more about reduced rates.
What is Stored Value?
Stored Value is like cash on your TAP card that allows you to pay-per-ride. For seamless and cashless travel between Big Blue Bus and the Expo Line, use Stored Value on a TAP card for both systems. During BOGO, load a TAP card with Stored Value (up to $20 per visit), and you will receive an equal amount of Stored Value for free.
How does Stored Value work?
Stored Value is a pay-per-ride option recommended for riders who would like to pay for their Big Blue Bus cash fare and use other TAP-participating transit agencies. When you tap your card, the correct fare will be automatically deducted.
At this time, customers paying with TAP Stored Value will tap once and then pay the $1.25 Rapid 10 Express upgrade fee in cash.
What TAP card designs are available?
The City of Santa Monica commissioned three local artists’ work for commemorative TAP card designs as part of Expo celebrations. These limited edition TAP cards will only be available at the City Hall Mobility Center and at Blue: the Transit Store for $2 each until supplies last. Load your BOGO promotion onto one of these stylish TAP cards and GoSaMO! Standard TAP card designs will also be available for purchase.
What are the details?
BOGO is limited to $110 free value, per person with ID, per week and will run while supplies last. All Big Blue Bus passes and Stored Value must be loaded onto a TAP card, which will be available for purchase for $2 each, including the three limited edition Santa Monica TAP cards. Click here to download the Business Rules.Â
How do you transfer from Big Blue to Expo or vice versa?
BBB to Metro Rail: Ask the operator for a Metro Rail transfer when boarding. The cost is 50 cents. You will receive a special TAP-enabled transfer that you should tap on the validator/turnstile when you arrive at the train station.
Metro Rail to BBB: Purchase a “Metro-to-Muni’ transfer (same as an Inter-Agency Transfer) for 50 cents at one of the station ticket vending machines after you exit the train. These can be loaded on your TAP card. When boarding BBB, simply tap your card on the TAP validator to use the transfer.
Where can I reload my TAP card after BOGO?
You can reload Big Blue Bus passes and Stored Value online at taptogo.net, by phone at 866.TAPTOGO (866.827.8646), at TAP vending machines in Metro Rail Stations or at Blue: the Transit Store. Please note that online and phone fare orders may take up to 45 minutes to be ready on BBB, 24-48 hours to be ready on buses from other agencies that have farebox TAP validators, and up to 1 hour to be ready at Metro Rail stations.