City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: January 27, 2026
Agenda Item: 12.A
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Anuj Gupta, Director of Transportation, Department of Transportation, Transit Safety & Training
Subject: Public Hearing and Adoption of a Resolution Approving and Adopting “Yield Right-of-Way” Signage on Big Blue Bus Buses Pursuant to Assembly Bill 1904
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Adopt a resolution approving and adopting the “Yield Right-of-Way” signage on Big Blue Bus buses
Executive Summary
Big Blue Bus (BBB), a division of the Santa Monica Department of Transportation (DOT), operates 195 transit buses across 58 square miles of greater Los Angeles, providing more than 10 million rides annually. DOT is committed to providing safe streets and a public transportation system that operates efficiently and reliably. BBB vehicles regularly experience delays and challenges when re-entering traffic after servicing bus stops, particularly on congested corridors.
California Assembly Bill 1904 (Ward), signed into law in 2024, authorizes transit agencies statewide to equip buses with yield right-of-way signage on the left rear of buses, subject to approval by the agency’s governing board and the implementation of a public education program. The legislation builds on prior pilot programs and statutory extensions that demonstrated reduced re-entry delays for transit buses. 2 of 5
In response to City Council direction provided via Item 16-I at its February 11, 2025, meeting, staff evaluated options to implement a Yield Right-of-Way program for BBB.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to authorize the program and direct DOT to proceed with installation of yield right-of-way signage on BBB buses, along with a public education campaign to encourage motorists to yield when buses are re-entering traffic.
Background
Transit buses are frequently delayed when attempting to re-enter traffic after stopping to load or unload passengers. This condition can affect schedule reliability and create obstacles for bus operators and motorists.
In 1999, Assembly Bill 1218 (Keeley) established a three-year pilot program requiring motorists to yield to transit buses displaying a lighted yield sign when re-entering traffic.
Although several agencies were eligible to participate, only the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (SCMTD) and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) implemented the program.
In 2003, the California Highway Patrol evaluated the pilot and reported that a majority of bus operators found the program at least somewhat effective in promoting improved operating conditions. SCMTD reported that the yield signage did support a safer merging of buses into traffic, particularly during nighttime operations, and neither agency reported significant complaints or collision trends attributable to the program.
However, no hard data on reduced collisions or safety incidents is available from these agencies’ pilot programs.
Following the pilot, Assembly Bill 1492 (Laird) in 2007 authorized SCMTD and VTA to continue using yield right-of-way signage. That legislation did not authorize law enforcement to cite motorists for failure to yield.
In 2024, Assembly Bill 1904 (AB 1904) amended California Vehicle Code Section 24617 to expand this authority statewide. The bill authorizes, but does not require, transit 3 of 5
agencies to install yield right-of-way signage, provided the agency’s governing board approves a resolution after a public hearing and the agency undertakes a public education program.
Discussion
AB 1904 Requirements
AB 1904 authorizes transit agencies to equip buses with a yield right-of-way sign on the left rear of the bus. The legislation allows for either a static decal or a flashing lightemitting diode (LED) sign. If an LED sign is used, it must illuminate with a red flashing light when the bus is signaling in preparation to re-enter traffic after a stop.
The legislation does not create an enforceable duty for motorists to yield and does not authorize citations for failure to yield. Transit bus operators remain responsible for operating vehicles with due regard for safety. Participating agencies must also conduct a public education program to inform motorists about the signage and its purpose.
Response to the Council 16 Item Request
On February 11, 2025, the City Council directed the exploration of a Yield Right-of-Way program for BBB pursuant to AB 1904. Staff evaluated the following elements as part of this effort:
• Signage options for BBB buses;
• Requirements for a public hearing and Council action; • Public education obligations;
• Potential cross-jurisdictional considerations; and
• Budget considerations.
Signage Options
There are two signage options authorized under AB 1904: static yield right-of-way decals and flashing LED signs.
Staff is recommending installation of static yield right-of-way decals on the left rear of each Big Blue Bus. Installation consists of surface preparation and decal application. 4 of 5
This option is cost effective, minimally complex, and can be implemented efficiently across the fleet with limited operational disruption.
Flashing LED signs provide a higher level of visibility; however, staff does not recommend their installation at this time. Implementation would require additional engineering and coordination with the bus manufacturer, electrical integration, software and multiplexing programming, hardware installation, system testing, and final acceptance. This option would require significantly greater upfront costs, longer implementation timelines, and greater ongoing maintenance. Additionally, there is no conclusive data demonstrating a corresponding reduction in collision rates.
Public Hearing and Council Action
AB 1904 requires approval by the governing board of the transit agency following a public hearing.
Public Education Program
Upon adoption of the resolution, DOT would implement a public education campaign to encourage motorists to yield to buses displaying the yield right-of-way signage.
Outreach would include information disseminated through the City and BBB websites, social media channels, and other communication platforms. BBB operators would also receive internal training and guidance on the program. The public education program may be implemented using existing resources.
Enforcement and Cross-Jurisdictional Considerations
Failing to yield to a bus displaying a yield right-of-way sign is not a violation of California law. AB 1904 does not authorize enforcement or citations. As a result, staff has not identified any cross-jurisdictional barriers to implementation.
Environmental Review
The installation of the signs is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. This is covered by the common-sense exemption which states that CEQA does not apply, “where it can be seen with certainty that there is no 5 of 5
possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.” The right-of-way signs are directional in nature and ensures safety and efficiency for transit buses. Therefore, it can be seen with certainty that this item would not result in adverse physical impacts on the environment, and as such, is exempt from CEQA.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the recommended action. The estimated cost to install static yield right-of-way signs across the BBB fleet is approximately $6,000. Staff will return to Council if specific budget actions are required in the future.
Prepared By: Liseth Guizar, Transit Safety and Training Manager, Big Blue Bus Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. BBB Bus Yield Signage Resolution A 1
B. PowerPoint Presentation