News Summary
Coronado is revitalizing summer fun with its free summer shuttle service returning from July 1 to September 1, 2024. Running daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., the shuttle aims to facilitate exploration of the island, especially on July 4 with extended hours. After a pandemic setback, ridership has surged by 58% compared to last year. While costs are projected to increase slightly to $121,000, the initiative promotes eco-friendly transportation while easing parking struggles, ensuring a vibrant and enjoyable summer for both residents and visitors.
Coronado Keeps the Summer Spirit Alive with Free Shuttle Services!
Coronado is buzzing with excitement as the city gears up for another fun-filled summer! After a successful trial run last year, the popular free summer shuttle service is making a glorious comeback from July 1 to September 1, 2024. This convenient shuttle service is here to save the day, just in time for residents and visitors to explore everything the island has to offer, all while promoting some eco-friendly vibes!
Shuttle Service Details
The free summer shuttle will be running every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to its regular hours, there will be extended operations and special services to the charming Coronado Cays on July 4, so residents can enjoy holiday festivities seamlessly. Gone are the days of sweating it out on hot summer days while trying to find parking—this shuttle service makes getting around easy and stress-free!
A Bright Future After Adversity
Last summer was a bit of a rollercoaster ride for public transit in Coronado. The free summer shuttle program was introduced back in 2013, but it didn’t escape the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused ridership to dip significantly. However, the good news is that the tides have turned! In fact, ridership surged by a whopping 58% compared to the previous summer, averaging around 847 rides per day. For a bit of perspective, that’s a jump from just 398 rides in 2023, though it’s still not quite back to the pre-pandemic high of over 1,500 rides daily.
What’s the Cost?
Operating the free summer shuttle service cost the city about $114,000 in 2023, which breaks down to about $2.10 per passenger. The expenses for the upcoming summer are projected at around $121,000, which is a small price to pay for convenient and accessible transportation that cuts down on traffic congestion!
Evaluating the Island Express
The Island Express mainly catered to the Coronado Village area, with popular spots including the Coronado Ferry Landing and Hotel del Coronado. Most riders enjoyed an average wait time of just nine minutes! While many riders expressed their satisfaction with the service, the costs caught the city’s attention, raising questions about the program’s sustainability.
Future Decisions on Shuttle Services
In a recent city council meeting, members voted 4-1 to keep the summer shuttle going, sparking discussions about the future of the Island Express. There’s talk of exploring potential cost-saving measures, which could include inviting proposals from other operators or applying for grants to support the shuttle services. One suggestion was to extend routes off-island to aid residents needing to get to places like the airport or Naval Medical Center.
Final Thoughts
As summer approaches, it’s clear that Coronado is focused on getting its communities moving in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. The initiative aims to reduce vehicle congestion and make it easier for everyone to connect with favorite destinations around the island. For now, grab your sunscreen and hop on the shuttle—it’s going to be a fantastic summer in Coronado!
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: All Aboard Coronado’s Free Summer Shuttle!
- Wikipedia: Coronado, California
- Coronado Times: City of Coronado Free Summer Shuttle Service
- Google Search: Coronado Island transportation
- La Jolla Mom: How to Get to Coronado Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coronado
- Coronado Times: After Four Months, the City’s Free Electric Shuttle is Popular and Expensive
- Google News: Coronado shuttle service
