ANTONOVICH UNVEILS NEW PALMDALE FLYER BUS AT ANTELOPE VALLEY BOARD OF TRADE

Convenient, free, bus service to LA/Palmdale Airport for

Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley residents

ANTELOPE VALLEY - To provide San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley travelers a convenient, reliable and inexpensive alternative to commuting to LAX, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich unveiled a new dedicated express bus service - "the Palmdale Flyer" - at the Antelope Valley Board of Trade Outlook Conference.

Fashioned after the successful LAX "FlyAway" service administered by Los Angeles World Airports, the Palmdale Flyer pilot project will connect residents in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley's to LA/Palmdale Airport by way of two central locations - the Via Princessa Metrolink Station at 19201 Via Princessa in Santa Clarita, and the Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal at 7610 Woodley Avenue.

United Airlines currently connects LA/Palmdale Airport to San Francisco International Airport, an international hub - on twice daily flights.

"LA/Palmdale Airport is the future economic hub of the high desert in the heart of the fastest-growing area in California and will generate future development, interstate commerce, job creation and an estimated $65 million in economic benefit to the community," said Antonovich. "A dedicated bus service will be an additional transportation alternative for air travelers of LA/Palmdale Airport to avoid the long check-in lines and traffic congestion of LAX."

"Having a reverse shuttle back into Palmdale and away from the traffic congestion leading to LAX provides unprecedented access from the San Fernando Valley and the Santa Clarita area to the LA/Palmdale Airport. This is all about changing the habits of the traveling public," said Palmdale Mayor James C. Ledford.

"Ground access is a prerequisite to development of the regional airports so they are able to take an ever increasing share of the demand for air service in Southern California. I applaud Supervisor Antonovich for sponsoring express bus service to LA/Palmdale Regional Airport," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "The Palmdale Flyer will encourage use of LA/Palmdale and help reduce traffic volumes on the Southern California freeways. This is a prime example of how government agencies can work together to achieve a regional solution to meeting aviation demand."

The Palmdale Flyer is a collaboration of Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Antelope Valley Transit Authority, City of Palmdale, Los Angeles World Airports, and United Airlines.

The Palmdale Flyer coach buses will accommodate 53 passengers and 2 wheelchairs. The twice daily service will begin April 2, 2008.

(Picture from left to right: James C. Ledford, Palmdale Mayor; Michael D. Antonovich, Los Angeles County Supervisor)