Big Blue Bus Gets a Big Green Thumbs Up
Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus has been honored with the 2010 Project of the Year award from the Southern California chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA).
By Amy Sommer | December 02, 2010
Solar Panels atop the Big Blue Bus Facility photo by Lawrence Anderson
The Big Blue Bus is being honored for its 66,000 square foot maintenance facility the expansion of which was completed in the fall of 2009.
"Each year, the APWA recognizes public agencies for their outstanding achievements, and also for the wealth of good ideas they share with others,” said George Alvarez, president of the Southern California chapter of the APWA.
“The Big Blue Bus facility expansion project has earned this recognition for its demonstrated awareness of the need to protect and enhance the environment, while also contributing positively to the community it serves."
“The city’s architectural and construction management on this project was outstanding, and we owe a lot to them for having this project turn out so exceptionally,” said Stephanie
A Big Blue Bus being service photo by Gary Krueger
Negriff, director of transit services for the Big Blue Bus.
“The new facility has everything we need now to maintain and house our larger, more technically diverse fleet,” said Negriff, “including the electric hybrids we recently put into service and also the articulated buses that will arrive in a few months.”
In keeping with the city’s commitment to sustainability, the facility includes many eco-friendly and energy efficient features, such as 600 roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, minimum energy water heaters to help reduce operating costs, and an urban runoff system to filter storm water.
The Los Angeles office of HOK served as the facility’s architect, and Morley Builders handled the construction.
The Big Blue Bus maintenance facility is located at 1620
Art Wall outside the Maintenance Facility photo by Gary Krueger
7th Street in Santa Monica.
For more information:
www.bigbluebus.com.
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