AIRPORT BOARD APPROVES INCREASE IN LAX FLYAWAY BUS FARES; INTRODUCES NEW DISCOUNT RATES FOR SENIORS, DISABLED PERSONS

(Los Angeles, California – October 8, 2008)  The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners today approved a new fare structure for the LAX FlyAway bus service including the addition of discounts for seniors and disabled persons.  The new fares, scheduled to start Jan. 1, 2009, for the FlyAway network of non-stop buses to Los AngelesInternationalAirport (LAX), will help offset the unprecedented rise in fuel and operating costs during the past year.

            Previously all established at $4 one-way, the full fare for passengers on the Union Station and Van Nuys routes will increase to $6 one-way; and the full fare on the Westwood route will increase to $5.  Since the inception of service in 1975, the one-way FlyAway fare has only been raised $1.  

            The Board also approved today the introduction of a discount fare for persons age 65 or over, disabled, or on Medicare, with proof of eligibility (i.e., government-issued identification card).  The new discount fare will be $4 one-way for qualified persons on all three LAX FlyAway routes.  Rides for children under 2 will remain free.

            Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey said, “This new fare structure accompanied by increased efficiencies in operation will help us reverse the widening gap between revenues and operating costs for the LAX FlyAway.  It is a first step toward making FlyAway into a self-sustaining transportation network.”

            She added, “Even with the fare increases, the LAX FlyAway is still the lowest cost, non-stop mode of public transportation to LAX with curbside drop -off at the terminals.  Compared to average taxi fares of $71 from Van Nuys and $47 from downtown Los Angeles, the $6 FlyAway fare is still a bargain for air travelers.”

            Last year, more than 1.3 million passengers rode the LAX FlyAway buses and ridership grew approximately 30 percent.  In an effort to meet growing passenger demand, six additional departures were added to the Union Station early morning schedule in late August.  Airport officials expect ridership to continue to grow steadily over the next several years. 

            To reduce operating costs while improving customer service, LAWA has already begun implementing plans to improve efficiencies by accommodating service levels to match passenger demand.  In addition to the Union Station service enhancement, last summer LAWA began incorporating new, smaller, clean-fuel, compressed-natural-gas (CNG) buses into the Westwood fleet, which has the lowest volume of passengers. 

            Since July when the LAX FlyAway service joined the Metro EZ transit pass program, 664 passengers used the pass.  The EZ transit pass provides frequent riders a discounted fare by purchasing monthly passes to travel on all Metro buses and trains, plus over 25 other local public transit carriers throughout the Greater Los Angeles region.

            LAWA is also actively working with Metro and Metrolink to allow FlyAway tickets to be dispensed through the automated ticketing machines as an added convenience to riders. 

            The LAX FlyAway is part of LAWA’s environmental efforts to encourage high-occupancy vehicle ridership, thereby reducing vehicle traffic and emissions in the region.  Airport officials estimate that last year’s LAX FlyAway riders eliminated approximately 23 million vehicle miles and more than 6.8 tons of emissions.

            In keeping with its ongoing environmental program, LAWA completed the conversion of the LAX FlyAway at Westwood fleet to 100 percent clean-fuel, CNG buses in early October.   These new 21-passenger CNG buses offer free Wi-Fi access to passengers.  During holiday travel periods, LAWA plans to supplement the smaller buses with full-size buses for customer convenience and to meet higher demand. 

            LAX FlyAway bus operations are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.