Bauer Transportation Inc. began operating the FlyAway bus service on July 11 between Van Nuys and Los Angeles International Airport. San Francisco-based Bauer Transportation replaces Coach America of Los Angeles, which had operated the shuttle service since 2003. In January the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners awarded Bauer a three-year $15.3 million contract to operate the FlyAway service and lease the FlyAway facility on Woodley Avenue. In the 2011 fiscal year, more than 800,000 riders used the FlyAway service between Van Nuys to LAX, the busiest of the four shuttle service lines. Bauer will operate 117 trips per day and provide an additional 30 trips during holidays and other peak travel times. Bauer said it plans to introduce new buses that run on a biodiesel fuel mix and have amenities such as free Wi-Fi, cable TV, power outlets and leatherette seating. A date for the new buses has not been set. Mark R. Madler