Members of the UCLA community are mobilizing to save the low-cost shuttle service between Los Angeles International Airport and Westwood.
Low ridership is driving the FlyAway service into significant debt, according to a report to the Los Angeles World Airports Board of Airport Commissioners.
But the FlyAway is an affordable option for students that does not need to be eliminated in its entirety, said Joelle Gamble, external vice president of the Undergraduate Students Association Council.
USAC officers are proposing a modified schedule that cuts back during the week and operates at the beginning and end of quarters and on holidays, Gamble said.
UCLA Transportation is also recommending solutions that would make the FlyAway more economical for the airport, according to a statement by director Renée Fortier.
These recommendations include increasing availability of park-and-ride space and modifying schedules and fares. Other suggestions include campus contributions for extra bus service during holiday periods and assistance with marketing, according to the statement.
Part of the ridership issue may be attributed to limited parking options, said Matthew Kroneberger, Bruins for Transit president.
UCLA’s parking structure near the FlyAway stop can only be used overnight on weekends, and people must otherwise pay a rate of $7 a day to use the structure, according to the FlyAway website.
Kroneberger suggests an overnight parking option during the week.
UCLA Transportation should also develop a no-cost-to-riders parking plan to entice patrons and keep the FlyAway operating, Kroneberger said.
Many students use the $5-per-way bus service to get to and from the airport, especially on holidays. The anticipated increase in residents on campus over the next few years means even more demand for the service, according to the UCLA Transportation statement.
“We are very hopeful that the board will take into consideration this near-term increase in potential ridership, as well as the campus’ offer to provide park-and-ride space and to financially contribute to support the service, and will choose to modify rather than cancel this service which is so valuable to the community,” said Fortier, according to the statement.
A decision has yet to be made on the fate of the FlyAway.
Fortier said Los Angeles World Airports staff will present UCLA Transportation’s suggestions to the Board of Airport Commissioners on June 6.