FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Antelope Valley Transit Authority

Contact: Pam Holland, Public Information Officer

661-729-2222

March 31, 2005

**PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – Mr. Al Rangel, Rideshare Coordinator with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) will be at Lancaster City Park this morning until 11:00am, handing out brochures and answering questions about the new mag-stripe passes. Ms. Juanita Thomas, AVTA bus operator, will be working with passengers at the Lancaster Senior Center at Fern and Jackman until 11:30am. Ms. Thomas will also visit our transfer points at 47^th Street East and Avenue S, and 10^th Street East and Palmdale Blvd. over the weekend.

Transit Authority introduces 31-Day Magnetic Stripe Passes

LANCASTER – The Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) continues to improve public transportation services for its passengers! Along with the long-awaited service changes which will be implemented on April 16, 2005, AVTA is pleased to introduce 31-Day Magnetic Stripe Passes.

Passengers will have the freedom to purchase their pass when it’s convenient for them. The card is activated the first time it is used and is valid for unlimited rides until the date and time of expiration which is printed on the back of the card. AVTA will benefit by being able to simplify the process of distributing passes and accounting for pass sales. Use of the 31-Day Pass will also provide AVTA with more accurate passenger information. Pass prices remain the same whether full or reduced fare.

“The Magnetic Stripe Pass Card is an introduction to the next step in technology – the Smart Card,” said AVTA Executive Director, Randy Floyd. “The Smart Card being developed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Municipal Operators is a wallet-sized card that will allow passengers to board bus and rail systems in Los Angeles County. Use of the card will provide important ridership data to transit authorities. MTA is currently beta testing this system and hopes to implement in the near future.

But for now, AVTA is pleased to announce that local transit service changes which include later evening hours, route extensions, and the introduction of the Palmdale shopper’s special, Route 8, will go into effect on April 16, 2005. AVTA’s commuter and Medical Shuttle passengers will begin using the new Palmdale Transportation Center at 6^th Street East and Sierra Highway in Palmdale on April 25^th.

The Center will offer bus passengers 24-hour security, restrooms and vending machines. The pass sales kiosk will be open on Saturdays from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. For more information, time schedules, and route maps, please log on to www.avta.com or call AVTA at 661-945-9445.

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