With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
LAX FlyAway bus service ticket prices go up, with another increase possible
The Union Station FlyAway bus.
(
Photo by Chris via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
)
A ticket for a one-way trip on the LAX FlyAway went up on Wednesday from $9.75 to $12.75.
The service operates between LAX and the Van Nuys or downtown L.A. Union Station stops. It provides a more affordable alternative to getting to LAX versus long-term airport parking or rideshares and taxis.
“The adjustment in fares covers fuel, labor, vehicle maintenance and acquisition costs, as well as technology improvements,” said Justin Upshaw, a spokesperson for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which operates the service.
LAWA approved the increase in January to help close a $1.65 million funding deficit for the service. The agency is part of the city of L.A. and governs LAX.
Sponsored message
Tickets bought before April 2 will still be honored. Schedules will not change either, Upshaw said. FlyAway operates past midnight.
LAWA last increased the fare in 2017. A LAWA staff report said the cost of providing the service has gone up 55%.
This may not be the last fare hike
In January, LAWA gave its CEO the authority to raise FlyAway ticket prices up to $15 within the next five years, as well to create discounted rates and promotions to boost ridership.
LAX first created a bus service to the airport 50 years ago.
LAWA shut down the Westwood FlyAway in 2019, citing low ridership. LAWA shut down FlyAway bus service from Long Beach and Hollywood in 2020 due to low ridership that, it said, was the result of limited travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
