News Summary
The Coronado City Council is examining public transportation solutions in response to increasing traffic issues. While bus services operate seven days a week, many residents prefer driving alone, exacerbated by free parking incentives. Proposed changes include designating lanes for public transport to improve efficiency and a reevaluation of existing transit programs, including the summer shuttle and Island Express. The Council is considering alternative funding and service improvements to better meet community needs for effective public transit.
Coronado – The Coronado City Council is currently reviewing public transit options as concerns regarding rising traffic volumes continue to grow. Despite having bus service available seven days a week, many residents still prefer to drive alone. This trend is being exacerbated by the availability of free parking provided by merchants, employers, schools, and landlords, which favors car use over public transportation, walking, or biking. The city’s decision to offer two weeks of free parking in December also encourages driving as opposed to utilizing public transit. In recognition of these issues, there is an increasing call for uniform parking meter enforcement every day, including Sundays, to promote alternative transportation methods.
As part of the transit discussion, the city is considering changes to the right lane on Fourth Avenue, which could be designated for buses, taxis, carpools, and right turns only during peak hours. This measure is expected to enhance bus transit efficiency, particularly for the 901 bus route, which connects residents with three trolley lines and over 20 additional bus lines. This connection directly counters claims that transit options are limited. Though transit usage may take longer, passengers can make use of their smartphones for activities while traveling, suggesting this mode of transport can be time-efficient in certain scenarios.
The City Council is reevaluating two significant public transit programs: the summer shuttle and the Island Express. The 2025 Free Summer Shuttle is slated to run from July 1 to September 1 and has recently seen a resurgence in ridership following a decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the shuttle recorded an average of 847 rides per day, with projected operating costs amounting to $121,000 for the upcoming summer. In contrast, the Island Express, which offered free door-to-door service from June to December 2024, cost the city over $561,000. However, it was reported that not all ride requests were fulfilled, which raises questions about service efficiency.
The average wait time for rides on the Island Express was around nine minutes, showcasing a certain level of accessibility. Ridership data indicates that the Village was the predominant destination, accounting for approximately 89% of all rides. The implementation of electric shuttles has resulted in a positive environmental impact, helping to offset around 7.8 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions based on usage.
Cost analysis reveals significant disparities in expenses per rider, with costs varying widely between locations—$7 for the Village and $29 for Coronado Cays. The Council members have expressed a willingness to retain the summer shuttle due to its affordability and reliability while prioritizing improvements to the Island Express to better meet the needs of residents.
As considerations for future upgrades are underway, the Council is open to exploring various funding mechanisms, including grants and advertising opportunities, in addition to reexamining pricing strategies for the services. Public feedback has indicated a preference for smaller, more affordable shuttle options, as well as a willingness to pay for enhanced service provisions.
Despite the challenges presented by current transportation arrangements, many Coronado residents identify public transport as integral to navigating the city’s traffic and parking difficulties and recognize the importance of transforming transit options to better serve the community’s needs.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Free Summer Shuttle Will Ride Again
- Coronado News: City Council Discusses Island Express
- Patch: Coronado Flower Show Ready to Bloom
- Google Search: Public Transportation in California
- KCRA: 2024 California International Marathon Guide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Transportation
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
