News Summary
A group of entrepreneurs has proposed a new ferry service called ‘Blue Highway’ to alleviate coastal traffic in Los Angeles County. Connecting destinations like Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, and Malibu, this service aims to provide a stylish alternative to gridlocked freeways. Expected to begin operations by year-end, the initiative also seeks to integrate with public transport, improving overall connectivity. Local support for the project is notable, as it addresses ongoing traffic issues intensified by recent road repairs.
Los Angeles – A group of entrepreneurs has launched a proposal for a ferry service named “Blue Highway” aimed at easing coastal traffic along Los Angeles County. The service is designed to connect tourists, day-trippers, and daily commuters while providing a more relaxed and stylish alternative to the heavily congested San Diego Freeway and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
The partnership behind this initiative, called Pier to Pier, hopes to start operations by the end of this year. The initial ferry route will cover a distance of 17 nautical miles, connecting key locations including Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, and Malibu. Plans for future service expansions include Long Beach, and possibly Newport Beach as well as Santa Barbara.
The proposed ferry service emerges as a solution to ongoing traffic issues, notably exacerbated by road repairs following a January fire that limited PCH traffic to one lane in each direction. The expected travel time between Santa Monica and Malibu piers is approximately 24 minutes, not including the time needed for boarding and disembarking.
While a brief ferry service between Malibu and Santa Monica existed in 1979, operated by the California Department of Transportation due to landslides blocking road access, regular ferry services have historically struggled to gain popularity in Los Angeles in comparison to more successful ferry operations seen in cities like San Francisco and Seattle.
Integration with Public Transit
The Blue Highway service is also anticipated to connect with existing public transportation systems. This includes linking with the Metro Exposition Line and potentially providing shuttle services to Los Angeles International Airport from Marina del Rey. The piers at both Malibu and Marina del Rey are already outfitted for ferry service operations.
Infrastructure Developments
As part of bringing the ferry service to fruition, the Santa Monica Pier will need enhancements such as the installation of a rising-tide gangway for boarding ferries, alongside repairs to the local breakwater to stabilize the area around the dock. The city of Santa Monica continues to assess the feasibility of these docking facilities.
Support for the ferry initiative has been voiced by Malibu residents and local officials, who see it as a beneficial transportation option for both locals and visitors. Pier to Pier is committed to financing the construction of necessary infrastructure, including the gangway and breakwater repairs.
Market Considerations
In preparation for launching services, the company is conducting a survey to assess the transportation needs of potential commuters and is in discussions with established ferry operators regarding the management of the service. Although fare details have not yet been finalized, ferry services along the West Coast typically charge between $10 and $14 for similar routes.
Community Impact
The involvement of local stakeholders emphasizes the project’s potential to enhance community transportation options and alleviate existing traffic problems along the coast. By providing an alternative mode of travel, the Blue Highway ferry service aims to not only improve connectivity but also promote increased tourism along the Los Angeles coastline.
The introduction of the Blue Highway ferry service promises a modern solution to the longstanding challenges of coastal traffic in Los Angeles, while fostering integration with the region’s broader public transport framework.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Essential California – Santa Monica Malibu Ferry
- Google Search: Santa Monica Malibu Ferry
- Biodiesel Magazine: Incat Crowther to Design Renewable Diesel Ferry for Los Angeles Catalina Express
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ferry Services
- MarineLink: Catalina Express Build Renewable Fuel Ferry
- Google News: Los Angeles Ferry
- Workboat: Incat Crowther Designing Renewable Fuel Ferry for Catalina Express
- Google Scholar: Ferry Transportation in California
- Long Beach Post: LA Metro Board OKs Study for Proposed Olympic Water Taxi Service
- Google Search: Public Transport in Los Angeles
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
