CASHLESS FLYAWAY MAKES TRAVELING TO LAX EASIER THAN EVER

(Van Nuys, Calif. – July 21, 2009) - Starting on August 1 it will be easier than ever to use the popular Van Nuys FlyAway because only credit and debt cards are being accepted for bus ticket purchases.  There will be no cash transactions for bus ticket purchases at the Van Nuys FlyAway.  Passengers can swipe-and-ride to Los AngelesInternationalAirport (LAX), taking advantage of a new streamlined fare structuring system where everyone pays the same one-way price.

The availability of credit and prepaid debit cards has allowed FlyAway management at LAX to switch to a cashless process that is much more cost-efficient than the old way of doing business.  With the downturn in the economy affecting FlyAway operations, this measure is aimed at producing a savings to keep the service going.

Under the new payment system, passengers can use Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Debit cards.  Discover cards will not be accepted.

“The switch to a cashless system will save approximately $220,000 in annual expenses,” said Michael Biagi, manager of Landside Operations Division.  

The fare increase to $7 is another step toward closing the multi-million dollar gap between revenues and expenses for operating the FlyAway.  The $7 fare still compares favorably to fares for shared-ride shuttle vans, taxicabs and limousines, which range from four to seven times as much.

Bus schedules, parking information and maps for all LAX FlyAway locations are available at www.lawa.aero/flyaway.  For additional information please call 310-646-2250 .  LAX FlyAway bus operations are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Los Angeles World Airports is the Los Angeles city department that owns and operates LAX, LA/Ontario International (ONT) and Van Nuys airports (VNY).