Avalon, Catalina Island -- Catalina Taxi and Tours will cease its on-call taxi service in Avalon effective Oct. 19, after more than five decades of serving the island's residents, businesses and visitors. The company will continue to operate its backcountry tours, interior campsite shuttles and private bookings.
"For more than 50 years, our taxis and drivers have been part of the fabric of Avalon," said Christy Harp, owner of Catalina Transportation Services, Inc. "This isn't the end of our presence on the island. We will continue to run our tours, our shuttles and our private transportation, and we're just as committed to that work as we've always been."
According to the company, the economics of running a traditional taxi service in Avalon have become increasingly difficult in recent years. Rising costs of fuel, labor, rent, insurance and maintenance, along with newly assessed road-use fees, have placed significant financial pressure on the operation. The company also pointed to the introduction and expansion of Circuit, a government-funded transportation alternative, as a major factor.
"Traditional taxi operators have to recover their costs through the fares passengers pay," Harp said. "Competing against a service funded by a government grant, one that can offer rides at a fraction of the cost, has made it impossible to keep a taxi operation financially sustainable. We've spent years trying to absorb rising expenses and adapt, and we've reached the point where continuing isn't viable."
Harp said the decision was difficult largely because of what it means for the people involved. She thanked the company's drivers and employees, past and present, for decades of early mornings, late nights, holidays and the island's busiest days, calling them the reason the company was able to serve Avalon for more than 50 years. She also thanked the island's residents and businesses for their support, and the generations of visitors who rode in one of the company's taxis after stepping off the boat.
"It has been our privilege to serve this island," Harp said. "We will always be proud to have been part of the Avalon community."
The company confirmed that its final day of on-call Avalon taxi service will be October 19, 2026. Anyone who has purchased a commuter book will be refunded for any unused tickets.
Catalina Transportation Services, Inc. will continue operating its tours, interior shuttles and private transportation bookings beyond that date.
