5/20/15
CORRECTION: Senior Citizens’ Fixed route monthly pass is $25. Senior Citizens’ Paratransit route monthly pass is $30.
For immediate release: May 19, 2015
Press release by:
Councilmember Riki Hokama, chair
Budget and Finance Committee
Hokama proposes to maintain bus rates, no increases
WAILUKU, Hawaii – Budget and Finance Committee Chair Riki Hokama today announced his plan to urge the council to reconsider the committee’s recommendation to increase bus fares in the fiscal year 2016 budget.
Hokama’s proposal will be considered by the council on Tuesday’s meeting at 10 a.m., which would restore the current bus fares, remove the consolidation of passes into one general boarding category and reject the establishment of low-income rates.
“In light of the ongoing update to the Short Range Transit Plan, it is prudent to delay the implementation of fare increases,” Hokama said.
The proposal submitted by Hokama will retain the $25 rate for senior citizens’ fixed and paratransit routes, and the $30 rate for fixed and paratransit routes for students with valid ID. General monthly boarding passes will still be $45 and daily passes would maintain levels at $4 and general boarding at $2.
The Department of Transportation is updating the Maui County Short Range Transit Plan, which would evaluate solutions to the county’s transportation needs in terms of planning, policy and financial support.
Hokama said the planning process will include a review of the existing routes, schedules, fare collection and cost effectiveness. The county anticipates a report to be issued in December.
The previous transit plan was created in 2005.
“I look forward to reviewing the transit plan so the committee can evaluate an appropriate bus fare structure,” Hokama said. “Holding-off on increasing bus fares at this time is a responsible policy action.”
The committee endorsed a $621-million budget for FY 2016, to be considered by full council for first reading on Tuesday, May 26 at 10 a.m.
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