File photo. 

A new bus service that will transfer people from Long Beach to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and back for an introductory one-way fare of $7 will begin providing services in December, the shuttle company, called FlyAway bus service, announced Thursday.

According to a release, the service was approved by the Los Angeles Board of Commissioners with a memorandum of understanding by the Long Beach Public Transportation Company Thursday.

“Long Beach Transit’s partnership with Los Angeles World Airports to bring LAX FlyAway to downtown Long Beach helps support our community, local economy and environment,” said Long Beach Transit CEO Kenneth McDonald. “The service can ease the stress of traveling to and from LAX, and at the same time mitigate traffic congestion and air pollution. It’s a win-win situation for the entire region of which we are proud to be an integral part.”

The one-way $7 fare is good for six months, and the agreement ensures the company will provide services for at least one year, with two one-year-renewable options.

The bus stop will be located on the corner of First Street and Long Beach Boulevard and will transfer Long Beach residents to and from LAX.

The new stop’s location, at the Long Beach Transit Gallery in downtown, was selected due to its proximity to a handful of transportation options, including Metro, Torrance Transit, Long Beach Transit and Metro Blue Line Light Rail. The array of nearby dining, lodging, parking and attractions such as the Long Beach Convention Center also factored into the Gallery’s selection for the shuttle’s new stop.

The release stated that LAX officials recommended Long Beach for the shuttle’s services because the zip code represented the fifth-largest region of residence for passengers who frequent LAX.

Officials estimate that 50,000 people will use the service in its first year, similar to the first year of the FlyAway bus service’s Hollywood route.

{FG_GEOMAP [33.7680795,-118.18946570000003] FG_GEOMAP}