LAX FLYAWAY® BUS AT IRVINE STATION TO DISCONTINUE SERVICE

Other FlyAway ® Service Sites Are NOT Affected by Contracted Bus Operator’s Bankruptcy

(Los Angeles, California – August 30, 2012)  FlyAway ® nonstop bus service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Irvine Transportation Center (Irvine Station) in Orange County will end tomorrow, August 31, 2012 at midnight, it was announced today by airport officials. 

Today’s announcement results from a recent decision by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court that allows CUSA CC, LLC dba Coach America Los Angeles (Coach America), operator of the FlyAway ® service at Irvine Station, to reject its contract with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).   Service at the Van Nuys, Union Station and Westwood FlyAway® sites are NOT affected. 

More than 1.4 million people rode the LAX FlyAway® buses at its four service locations during Fiscal Year 2011-2012.

This was the third straight year of losses since the Irvine service began in November 2009.  An average of 48 riders daily used the FlyAway ® service between Irvine and LAX during Fiscal Year 2011-2012, which ended June 30.  The Irvine route experienced a fiscal year operating loss of $382,337, or $21.89 per passenger. 

    Coach America’s contract to operate the Irvine Flyway which commenced service in November 2009 was scheduled to expire in November 2012. 

Coach America, considered the largest tour and charter bus operator in the United States, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last January.  As a result of this action, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) issued a Request for Expressions of Interest from private transportation providers to operate nonstop shuttle service between the Irvine Transportation Center and LAX.  Airport officials received 20 letters of intent.

            During the coming months, LAWA staff expects to conduct a competitive process to explore a model that will be viable for a private operator.

            In the meantime, FlyAway ® customers are encouraged to use other public transportation services to and from LAX, including:

·         Metrolink Orange County or Inland Empire-Orange County line to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and connect to the FlyAway ® nonstop bus service which operates 24 hours, seven days a week at Union Station. Metrolink monthly pass holders, who show proof of a flight to or from LAX on that day, may ride the FlyAway ® bus for FREE between Union Station and the LAX.