On January 6, 2025, Catalina Express implemented changes to its commuter program, introducing new ticketing policies and package options. According to Amanda Bombard of Catalina Express, commuter books were sold exclusively to individuals, meaning that multiple people could no longer share a single commuter book. However, any commuter books purchased before the January 6 deadline were still honored under the previous policies until they were either used up or expired.
The commuter program is a ticketing system offered by Catalina Express, providing discounted ticket bundles for regular travelers between Catalina Island and the mainland. The program is designed to offer cost-effective and flexible travel options for residents and frequent commuters by reducing the per-ticket price.
Commuter books, which are bundles of pre-purchased tickets, are sold to individuals. The updated policy introduced a six one-way ticket package alongside the existing ten one-way ticket package. Additionally, commuter books are now assigned to specific individuals, ending the previous practice of sharing books among multiple users. These changes were implemented to improve efficiency and ensure proper use of the program.
The program benefits those who travel at least three times a year by offering savings over purchasing single-trip tickets. However, concerns were raised about the financial impact on larger families and occasional travelers, prompting discussions about potential options to improve affordability and accessibility.
In an effort to better accommodate Island residents, Catalina Express introduced a six one-way ticket package alongside its existing ten-ticket offering. This new option was aimed at providing more flexibility without increasing commuter ticket prices; the per-ticket cost remained unchanged. The six-ticket package was available alongside the ten-ticket package for City of Avalon subsidy card holders, offering additional convenience for those who travel less frequently.
For regular commuters not participating in the City subsidy program, only the ten one-way ticket packages remain available. All ticket packages, subsidized or not, had a one-year validity from the date of purchase and were non-refundable and non-transferable. Additionally, commuter accounts allowed the primary account holder to add sub-members, but each sub-member needed their own individual commuter book. Any commuter books purchased after January 6, 2025, were assigned to a specific person within the account, ensuring that only the designated individual could use them for reservations.
During a City Council meeting on December 17, 2024, Erik Bombard of Catalina Express presented an update on the new commuter program. Although technical issues prevented part of his presentation from being recorded, key points were discussed, including concerns raised by Mayor Anni Marshall and Councilmember Lisa Lavelle.
Mayor Marshall expressed concerns about the discontinuation of the four-ticket package, noting that many seniors who rarely traveled were previously able to use the smaller package. She pointed out that seniors often lost money when tickets expired, as refunds were not available, and asked if there could be flexibility to address this issue. Erik Bombard responded by explaining that the four-ticket package had very low usage, with only four or five individuals regularly purchasing it.
Bombard emphasized that Catalina Express’s commuter program was relatively lenient compared to most transportation industry standards, requiring only three round trips per year to qualify as a commuter. This policy, according to Bombard, was intended to accommodate a broader range of travelers without imposing strict usage requirements.
Councilmember Lisa Lavelle raised additional concerns about the financial burden on larger families. She noted that families of four or five now faced a significantly higher upfront cost compared to previous years. While acknowledging that families might ultimately spend the same amount over the course of a year, she highlighted that the large initial payment could be problematic, particularly during the holiday season and early January when budgets were often tight. Drawing from her own experience, Lavelle explained that even with a stable income, she struggled to purchase new commuter books in advance due to her frequent travel for city and business responsibilities. She suggested exploring alternative models, such as a membership system or installment-based payments, to ease the financial strain on families.
City Manager David Maistros also weighed in on the discussion, mentioning the challenges the city faced while working with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) regarding commuter definitions. He noted that Metro required a minimum of five round trips to qualify for funding as a commuter. Lavelle further inquired whether a membership model or a balance-due payment system could have been more effective in addressing commuter needs. Maistros acknowledged that the changes would have a significant impact and suggested that as the new program rolled out, its effects on the commuter community would become more apparent.
In response to concerns about travelers who only made occasional trips, Bombard indicated that Catalina Express was open to discussing potential solutions for individuals in unique situations. He encouraged anyone with questions about the changes to visit the ticket window or contact Catalina Express passenger services directly.
Councilmember Yesenia De La Rosa asked if Avalon could conduct an impact assessment on the new program, to which Maistros responded positively, indicating that such an assessment could be explored. Bombard reiterated that Catalina Express remained willing to collaborate with the city to address specific needs as they arose.
Following the January 6, 2025, implementation, Catalina Express aimed to provide clear communication and support for commuters adjusting to the updated program. Travelers were encouraged to stay informed and reach out with any questions or concerns about the new policies.
