Festival season brings big boom to local transportation providers

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) -- The Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival brings a business boom to hotels, local dining and also, transportation services around the Valley.

Momo Elewa with Bald Eagle Transportation says festival season is the companies busiest time of the year, with his 21 cars averaging nearly 80 rides a day.

"Some people, we take them because we want to make sure that they are safe, so we take them for free," Elewa said.

He advises festival-goers to plan their transportation ahead of time, as catching a taxi or using ride share can cost you a pretty penny.

Indio Police are also encouraging attendees plan their transportation ahead of time and to beware of suspicious drivers on the road.

"Some people are in a hurry and they'll flag down the ride share right in the middle of the street, and they'll run out into the street in traffic and, put themselves in danger because they can easily be hit."

Preparation won't just keep you safe, it could also save you some money.

According to Uber, festival surge prices will raise rates 50% every mile and 50% every minute for rides in the greater Palm Springs area.

It's why many are opting for a safer option, the Coachella shuttle pass.

"The cars kind of create this big traffic jam, and the shuttle is probably a much easier way to get in."