Shuttle Vote Delayed
The Los Angeles Airport Commission last week postponed voting on a controversial plan to award exclusive shuttle concessions to LAX’s two largest operators Prime Time Shuttle and SuperShuttle Inc.
The delay is being heralded as a victory by small, mom-and-pop operators, who had expected the commission to push through the proposal, which is designed to thin the ranks of airport shuttle services in an effort to reduce pollution, congestion and noise. Small operators oppose the proposal, saying they would be forced out of business and that consumers would end up paying more for transportation to and from LAX.
Small operators also objected to the selection of Prime Time, which has been battling with state regulators for several years and that has experienced financial and operating difficulties as well. Prime Time has defended its business practices.
Currently, 38 different shuttle operators compete for business at LAX, the nation’s third busiest airport. Prime Time and SuperShuttle operate more than half of the 600 vans licensed to do business at the airport.
