As the countdown to the new school year ticks away, Santa Monica students and their families can look forward to some eased transportation woes, thanks to the city's concerted efforts on safety enhancements and free public transit initiatives. According to a blog post from Santa Monica's official website, Pali High School is setting the pace, reopening on August 13, with Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) campuses following suit on August 21.
Key to this year's smooth transition from summer break is the focus on safe passage for those traveling on foot, by bike, or using public transportation. Students across SMMUSD and Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) are set to benefit from the regional GoPass program, which offers complimentary rides on Big Blue Bus and LA Metro trains and buses; detailed information for program participation can be garnered from local schools. Additionally, the city celebrates the completion of the Pedestrian Improvements at the Six Schools project in May 2025, noting the installation of new curb extensions, ADA ramps, and updated road stripes – the necessities that don't catch headlines but catch the grateful attention of those who tread upon them daily.
With safety top of mind, crossing guards are once again taking up their stations to shepherd students across dangerous intersections. Parents and students are being nudged towards active transportation modes like biking and walking, while the city’s transportation newsletter, Take the Friendly Road, offers a continued education on navigating Santa Monica's streets. These developments, funded by Transportation Impact Fees and other local sources, speak to a wider strategy that Santa Monica has been cultivating, one that respects the stride and cycle of its younger denizens and leans into the health of its communities.
For those interested in delving into the specifics of these programs or finding out how to snag a GoPass, city staff will be present at the 9th Grade Registration Day event at Samohi on Aug. 12.
