1 City Council Meeting: January 27, 2026 Santa Monica, California RESOLUTION NUMBER _________ (CCS)
(City Council Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA TO AUTHORIZE A “YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY” SIGNAGE PROGRAM FOR BIG BLUE BUS BUSES PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 1904
WHEREAS, transit buses are frequently delayed when attempting to re-enter traffic after stopping to load or unload passengers, and this condition can affect schedule reliability and create obstacles for bus operators and motorists; and WHEREAS, Assembly Bill (AB) 1904, 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, and the legislation builds on prior pilot programs and statutory extensions; and
WHEREAS, in response to City Council direction provided at the February 11, 2025, meeting, City staff evaluated options to implement a Yield Right-of-Way program for Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus; and
WHEREAS, City staff recommends the authorization of a Yield Right-of-Way program that installs static yield right-of-way decals on the left rear of each Big Blue Bus, with installation consisting of surface preparation and decal application – and that is cost effective, minimally complex, and can be implemented efficiently across the fleet with limited operational disruption; and
2 WHEREAS, on January 27, 2026, and in compliance with AB 1904, the City Council conducted a noticed public hearing on the Yield Right-of Way program.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to AB 1904, the City Council authorizes the Big Blue Bus to create a Yield Right-of-Way program to install yield right-of-way signage on the left rear of Big Blue Bus motorcoaches, as described and shown in Exhibit A.
SECTION 2. The City Council authorizes the Big Blue Bus to also develop and implement an educational program regarding yield right-of-way signage on Big Blue Bus motorcoaches.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution, and thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
Heidi von Tongeln
Interim City Attorney
3 EXHIBIT A
Static Decal
4 EXHIBIT A
Flashing LED Sign