Update: As of Saturday, November 3, 2007, the roads to the Griffith Observatory were re-opened to private vehicle traffic. The observatory shuttle is no longer running, and there is no longer any cost associated with visiting the Griffith Observatory. Read more here and here. The Los Feliz Ledger reports that the proposed $5.50 fee for the shuttle service is in doubt, due to the terms of Col. Griffith's bequest that the park and its facilities be accessible to all.
According to Jon Kirk Mukri, general manager of the city’s Dept. of Recreation and Parks, it would cost the city $8 million to $10 million to operate the shuttle if it were free of charge to visitors.
“This cost will have to be borne by someone,” said Murki.
The idea of an off-site shuttle has been discussed for nearly two years to alleviate traffic in the greater Los Feliz area and, specifically, the immediate neighborhood surrounding the Observatory when it re-opens.
According to the article, city officials are working to find other possible sources of funding for the shuttles before a planned October 3rd news conference when Mayor Villaraigosa will announce the date of the observatory's re-opening.
