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City debates east-side access as beach shuttle returns for a second trial season
Summary
Deputy city manager presented a unified, two-route seasonal beach shuttle proposal for summer 2026 that shifts to a single operator to reduce costs; commissioners pressed staff to explore restoring East Side stops and to provide detailed cost estimates for adding stops or a third line.
Deputy city manager Mike Sell reported on a proposal to run the 2026 beach shuttle with a single operator (Matt's) running two seasonal fixed routes previously covered by two vendors.
"The proposal is that the city would fund the service, and anybody using it would not be charged a fare," Sell said, describing two routes (a park circulator, or "tan line," and a connector blue line) and an adjusted hours schedule to fit operator staffing. He said the new arrangement reduces complexity from last year's dual-operator pilot and will publish schedules so riders can track buses.
Commissioners raised concerns about removal of two low-use stops (Smith Ryerson and Campbell Field) from the proposal and urged staff to estimate costs to restore service on the East Side. Commissioner questions focused on equity and safety: some residents would have to cross an expressway to reach the nearest stop if East Side pickups are removed.
Sell and staff said survey and ridership data informed the decision to drop the low-use stops; staff also said last year the pilot had a high per-ride cost (roughly $39'$40 per ride) and that the proposed change reduces the city's subsidy. Commissioners asked staff to seek specific quotes from Matt's on adding stops or an alternate third-line route, and to explore sponsorships or partnerships to defray costs.
No formal vote took place. Commissioners generally supported continuing the shuttle for a second trial season but asked staff to return with precise price estimates, ridership breakdowns and options to improve East Side service and marketing before final approval.
