LAWA EMPLOYEES RECEIVE REGIONAL “RIDESHARE DIAMOND” AWARDS

Employee Commute Program Addresses Air Quality, Traffic Congestion

(Los Angeles, California – April 18, 2000) Two key members of Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA) Rideshare Bureau today received "Rideshare Diamond" awards from Southern California Rideshare for developing and implementing an extensive program to offer LAWA employees effective forms of alternative transportation.

Rideshare Manager Stuart Susswain and Rideshare Coordinator Christine Kawamura garnered the honors from Southern California Rideshare, the nation’s largest commute assistance agency and a division of the Southern California Association of Governments.

LAWA’s Employee Commute Program includes 48 vanpools, plus carpools, public transit incentives, and more.

"All of our employee commute options help lessen the number of single-passenger cars on our roads, which contributes to improved air quality and reduced traffic congestion," said LAWA Executive Director Lydia H. Kennard. "And these options help employees save significant money, especially given today’s high gasoline prices. The ‘Rideshare Diamond’ awards are well deserved, and I commend everyone in the Rideshare Bureau for their hard work to make a difference."

This marked the second year for the "Rideshare Diamond" awards, presented to honor "outstanding business and individuals who keep Southern California moving." LAWA’s Rideshare Bureau previously has earned a number of other major honors, including the 1998 Southern California Association of Governments’ "Award for Excellence;" the "Clean Air Award" in both 1997 and 1990 from the South Coast Air Quality Management District; and the "Governor’s Transportation Award" from the state in 1990.

LAWA owns and operates Los Angeles International, Ontario International, Palmdale Regional, and Van Nuys Airports.