Blue Bus Turns 75

By Jorge Casuso

April 14 -- The Big Blue Bus celebrated its 75th anniversary Monday, and to help put that milestone in perspective, Transportation Director Stephanie Negriff ticked off a couple of other events that marked 1928.

President Herbert Hoover was preparing a $32 million budget to enforce prohibition, for the first time women participated in the Olympics, the first Mickey Mouse cartoon was released and the first television set sold for $75.

In Santa Monica, on April 14 the City’s new bus company -- eager to compete with the Red Line’s high-priced, 7-cent fares -- rented blue buses to shuttle people around the tiny seaside town.

“When the buses arrived, they were blue,” Negriff said. “I don’t know for sure, but I can almost hear someone exclaim, ‘Hey, these are Big Blue Buses!’ A brand, a slogan and a successful transportation company was born.”

Seventy-five years later, the Blue Bus has put Santa Monica on the regional map, serving as a “rolling ambassador” across Southland, City officials said during the celebration at the bus’ headquarters on Colorado Avenue.

“As we grow bigger, we still have the same focus, a one-on-one relationship,” said Mayor Richard Bloom. “The Big Blue Bus is really an ambassador. It really puts a face” on the city. “One of the things people relate to most is that bus that runs throughout the region.”

“Southern California,” said Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McKeown, “knows Santa Monica for the beach in the summertime and shopping the Third Street Promenade in the holidays, but the part of Santa Monica they see the year round is the Big Blue Bus. And I thank you for being such rolling ambassadors.”

Longtime drivers Donna Wells and Michael Burton were two of the bus system’s top ambassadors recognized Monday for their years of service.

Wells, who has worked 26 years as a driver and as a customer service representative, is “free spirit with an explosive smile,” who is known to her long-time customers as “Mom,” Negriff said.

“She was in the driver’s seat when women weren’t there… in an industry dominated by men at a time when women just didn’t do ‘those kinds’ of jobs,” Negriff said.

Affectionately known as “The Commander,” Burton, who has been a driver for 36 years, was recognized for his longevity, kindness and popularity with passengers.

“He’s been here so long he can remember what it was like being a motor coach operator when there was no traffic in LA,” Negriff said. “He is often cited by our riders as a driver who is exceedingly kind and with an award-winning smile.”

Also recognized for their longtime service were Ben Leivas, a mechanic who has kept the buses running for 26 years, and Lewis Kelly, whose 39 years driving the Big Blue Bus makes him the system’s longest serving employee.

Leivas, who began tinkering with engines as soon as he could see over the hood of a car, can make bus engines “purr like kittens,” Negriff said

Kelly, who wasn’t present at the ceremony, was recognized as a “friend confidant and mentor” who “claims he always has to apologize to his riders for taking vacations because they missed him so much,” Negriff said.

In its 75 years, the award-winning bus service has grown to a fleet of approximately 200 buses that transport 80,000 passengers a day across a 51.4 square mile service area. The number of riders using the popular service increased 17 percent between 1990 and 2000, according to figures compiled in July 2001.