By Lookout Staff

September 26, 2025 -- Starting next week, Santa Monicans can test first hand the challenges of getting around without a car and the advantages of having a municipal bus system.

On Wednesday, October 1, everyone can enjoy free rides on the Big Blue Bus in honor of the 8th annual California Clean Air Day.

Transit officials are asking motorists to take the Clean Air Day Pledge to use sustainable alternatives to driving by trying out public transit for the day.

The statewide initiative sponsored by the Coalition for Clean Air "highlights how individual actions can positively impact the health of our communities and environment," transit officials said.

"By choosing a sustainable transportation option like Big Blue Bus’s Zero Emissions fleet, you can help reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution."

From September 29 to October 5, motorists are encouraged to experience "the barriers and challenges that nondrivers face" during national Week Without Driving, the annual event's organizers said.

"If you can drive or afford a car, you may not understand what it’s like to rely on walking, rolling, transit and asking for rides," according to the event's website.

"But for nearly a third of people living in the United States -- people with disabilities, young people, seniors and people who can’t afford cars or gas -- this is our every day."

During Week Without Driving "you can get around however you want, but the challenge is not to drive yourself in any car."

Then from October 6 to October 10, Santa Monica students can test getting around on public transit by hopping on a Big Blue Bus for free during Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! week.

Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! "encourages K-12 students and their families to choose eco-friendly transportation options, such as biking, walking, or using public transit," officials said.

For free BBB rides, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) students only need to show the driver a valid school ID.

Students who don’t have one can use a current report card, class schedule or an official letter from their school verifying enrollment, officials said.

To plan a free Trip visit bigbluebus.com