Santa Monica Businesses Push Back on Bus Stop Relocation That Threatens Access and Safety

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - PrZen -- Santa Monica, CA — Local business owners and community members are raising concerns about a proposed Big Blue Bus stop relocation on Pico Boulevard, citing risks to accessibility, visibility, and safety.

As part of the East Pico Safety Project, the City of Santa Monica plans to move the westbound stop from in front of UnUrban Coffee to in front of Good Body Pilates Studio, Bay Shades, and Interdental. The change would eliminate three essential parking spaces used by seniors, disabled clients, pregnant individuals, and those recovering from injury—groups that rely on safe, close access.

"This change would impact the very people our businesses serve most—and we were never even notified," said Jackie Hinton, owner of Good Body Pilates and chair of the Pico Improvement Organization. "We support public transit, but not at the cost of transparency and access."

A Change.org petition is calling on the city to pause the move and engage the community: https://chng.it/bdfDCGq8jC     Thank you!