Council considers new bus fare structure

Riders of TheBus could see changes to the daily fare structure starting July if a proposal issued this week by a Honolulu councilman wins approval.

Bill 69, introduced Friday by Councilman Brandon Elefante, would create a $5 unlimited day pass available to adult riders, and it would scrap the use of transfers, which let riders take a different route for free within two hours of their original ride.

The bill would also scrap TheBus’ $35 four-day unlimited pass because a single-day pass would allow riders to purchase those unlimited rides for $15 less. Riders would still be able to board for a single ride, at $2.50 — they just wouldn’t be able to get the transfer that currently goes with it. They could still buy monthly, annual and biennial passes. The day pass would actually expire at 2:59 a.m. the following morning to accommodate those who use the bus in the early hours.

“It will encourage more people to ride the bus. … They can ride unlimited,” Elefante said during a news briefing Friday at the Alapai Transit Center. “I really feel it will streamline and provide a valuable option for our bus users.”

Maui County offers an unlimited day pass for $4 to ride its public bus. At least 19 other major U.S. cities offer bus day passes ranging from $3.50 (Baltimore) to as much as $17 (San Francisco), according to data provided by Elefante’s aides which they said came from the American Public Transportation Association.

Mike Formby, who directs the city Department of Transportation Services, said the agency had considered last year pursuing an unlimited day pass for TheBus but ultimately opted not to because the bus fare system is slated to be overhauled in several years so that it can work with rail.

Nonetheless, Formby said, he supports the general idea of a day pass that Elefante is proposing. He said DTS would “probably support his bill.”

The day pass would free up bus drivers from having to examine each transfer carefully as they try to stay on schedule, and it would end abuse under the transfer system, he said. While he didn’t have data immediately available, Formby said that more riders use transfers than request them, indicating some level of fraud.

However, scrapping transfers would affect a fraction of riders who do rely on them, both Elefante and Formby acknowledged. Formby wasn’t sure how many of the more than 200,000 daily trips would be affected, but he did say many regular riders already purchase unlimited and annual passes.

Japanese exchange student Risa Ishikawa, who studies at Kapiolani Community College, said she liked the idea of an unlimited day pass, but “I think it’s expensive for $5.” Ishikawa, while waiting for a bus at Kuhio and Seaside avenues, said she would prefer a $3 or $4 fare.

Allen Sagucio, who commutes by bus from Ewa Beach to Waikiki for work every day, said he would simply continue to purchase his $60 monthly pass.

“It’s a good idea,” added rider Keiko Blossey while waiting on Kuhio Avenue to take a bus back to her home in Punchbowl. “A lot of times I think I can’t make it in two hours,” she said, referring to the time limit to use a transfer.

Elefante’s bill would allow riders under 18 and high school students to buy the day pass for $2.50. Disabled riders could buy it for $2. Passes could also be marketed as souvenirs featuring distinctive Hawaiian art, places or graphics, under the bill. The bill must now be referred to a Council committee to proceed.