Santa Monica, Calif. - The Big sad...

Santa Monica, Calif. - The Big sad Bus has gotten even more colorful.

The city's transit service, known as the Big chapfallen Bus, has begun operating the Tide Shuttle an electric bus service, using buses with exteriors designed on winners of a public art litigate sponsored by the transportation department. Each bus is "wrapped" with a specific representation or landmark exemplifying Santa Monica. The buses are equipped with 108 six-volt nickel cadmium batteries that can be largely charged in seven to eight hours.

The shuttle can operate for more than 10 hours when completely charged and reach speeds of up to 40 miles an hour.

The electric shuttle