The Island Express electric mini-shuttle operating along Coronado's beautiful coast.
The Coronado City Council recently examined the future of public transit options, focusing on the Island Express electric mini-shuttle and the Free Summer Shuttle. The Island Express pilot program garnered significant ridership and environmental benefits, while the council suggested revising its approach to the more underused Cays segment. The Free Summer Shuttle is set to return with increased ridership projections. Council members emphasized the importance of community input in enhancing services for seniors and those with mobility challenges.
Coronado, the charming little island in California, captured the spotlight during a recent meeting where the City Council dived into the future of public transit programs. On March 18, 2025, the council scrutinized two key programs under discussion—the Island Express electric mini-shuttle and the Free Summer Shuttle in collaboration with MTS.
From June to December 2024, the Island Express operated as a pilot program, making a solid impression on peak transit needs. With a total investment of approximately $561,509, this initiative introduced a fleet of six mini-shuttles and two electric vans, ensuring environmentally-friendly transit. Additionally, setup costs included call center service and eye-catching vehicle wraps that promoted the project.
Throughout its run, the Island Express provided a whopping 29,903 rides to around 58,596 passengers. That breaks down to an average of about 163 rides and 318 passengers per day. Most of the action was centered in the Coronado Village, with this area accounting for 89% of rides and 90% of all passengers. On the flip side, the Cays had a markedly smaller footprint, being less frequented.
When it comes to costs, things get *interesting*. The average ride in the Village ran close to $14, while out in the Cays, it shot up to a staggering $48.72. The passengers clearly favored the Village hotspots, with the most popular pick-up and drop-off points being the renowned Hotel del Coronado, Marriott, and Ferry Landing.
Notably, the Island Express had a positive effect on the environment, estimated to have reduced approximately 11.6 metric tons of greenhouse gases. This was done by using electric shuttles; however, there were varied estimates from the City staff and Circuit Transit regarding the actual reductions achieved. Nonetheless, the average wait time for rides during the pilot program settled around nine minutes, providing a fairly quick service.
When discussing the potential future of this program, city staff recommended issuing a request for proposal (RFP) to explore cost-competitive options that would allow the program to continue, albeit with suggestions to modify or even eliminate service to the Cays due to low usage. The call center, which was also underused, might be on the chopping block as well.
On another front, the Free Summer Shuttle is gearing up to operate from July 1 to September 2, 2025. The prior summer, which took place in 2024, yielded 54,203 rides, significantly lower than before the pandemic. With a budget of around $114,000, each passenger cost roughly $2.10.
The upcoming program is expected to cost approximately $121,636.65, potentially climbing to $156,336.65 if promotional activities are included. Interestingly, the Free Summer Shuttle had noted a striking 58% increase in ridership from the previous year’s challenges, which had been impacted by an MTS strike.
Interestingly, both the Island Express and the Free Summer Shuttle serve distinct community needs, but there’s a possibility of them overlapping and even *cannibalizing* each other’s ridership numbers. The council members have varying opinions about the importance and logistics of the two shuttle services going forward. They are also considering various methods to decrease costs, such as selling ad space on the shuttles or seeking out grant funding.
One common concern expressed is the need to improve services to better accommodate seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. As the council moves towards making decisions, community input and recognition of the value of these transit programs will inevitably guide the future of public transportation in Coronado.
Coronado Launches Free Summer Shuttle Service for 2024
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