Santa Monica to Launch Holiday Transit Discount Program
The Ride, Shop, Save program offers riders digital discounts at local businesses beginning November 1.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Couponing
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Starting November 1, 2026, the Big Blue Bus will launch the Ride, Shop, Save program to offer discounts at various Santa Monica businesses. The initiative aims to support the local economy by encouraging residents and visitors to explore the area using public transit.
Why it matters
The program is a component of the City of Santa Monica's Realignment Plan designed to support the local business community. By incentivizing ridership, officials hope to increase patronage at local shops, restaurants, and attractions through the holiday season.
The discount program runs from November 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, and requires users to register via a digital enrollment form. Participating locations include various restaurants, retail shops, yoga and pilates studios, a theater, and Pacific Park.
The players
Big Blue Bus
This is the municipal transit operator serving the Santa Monica area and surrounding communities.
Pacific Park
Located on the Santa Monica Pier, this is an oceanfront amusement park participating in the discount program.
City of Santa Monica
This local government body is the lead agency behind the Realignment Plan and the transit-linked discount initiative.
The details
Riders can gain access to these holiday savings by completing an enrollment form on the Big Blue Bus website to receive a digital discount card. The program applies to a variety of local establishments throughout Santa Monica.
Timeline
The holiday discount program begins on November 1, 2026.
Big Blue Bus offers free system-wide transit on November 3, 2026, for Election Day.
The holiday discount program concludes on December 31, 2026.
Culture Shift
This program aligns with the City of Santa Monica's Realignment Plan, which seeks to integrate transit usage with local economic stimulation. It reflects a growing trend of municipal agencies using public transportation incentives to drive foot traffic into local retail and entertainment sectors.
Riders can save money at local shops and the pier by simply registering for the digital card online before they travel. This program encourages residents to incorporate transit into their holiday shopping and dining routines throughout the final two months of the year.
The takeaway
By connecting transit ridership to local businesses, the city is creating a structured way for residents to save while supporting their own community. Travelers should ensure they register online early to maximize their access to these holiday discounts.
Further reading
Learn more about local savings opportunities in the Santa Monica Couponing section.
More information
To register for the program and view participating businesses, visit the Ride, Shop, Save enrollment form.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Surfsantamonica.
Live Poll
Do you believe public transit incentives help encourage residents to shop at local businesses?
