Moving toward a future where transit works for everyone

More than halfway through the 2026 legislative session, several key measures aimed at expanding transit access have failed to advance. Despite strong public support and a clear alignment with the state’s climate mandates, bills designed to make transit more affordable have faced major hurdles. Program costs have emerged as the main concern for lawmakers.

Initiatives like Keiki Ride Free (HB1879), Subsidized Transit for State Employees (SB2993), and Free Transit for All (HB2451) were designed to do more than just lower fares, they were designed to lower barriers.

Barriers to Change

While cost is often cited as the primary reason for these measures stalling, a look at the state’s broader transportation budget provides helpful context on how resources are currently distributed. Looking at HB1879, a statewide Keiki Ride Free program would cost approximately $9.87 million annually, and would be sustainably funded by reallocating a small fraction of existing fossil fuel taxes. To put that $9.87 million in perspective, it is helpful to look at the state’s larger infrastructure investments. 

Hawaiʻi Appleseed’s “Rethinking Roads” report highlights a significant difference in how we fund various types of transportation. Between fiscal year 2019 and 2024, 66 percent of the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation’s (HDOT) $5.68 billion budget went toward projects that expand vehicle capacity, such as widening roads or adding new lanes. In contrast, only 1.5 percent was directed toward reducing vehicle travel through alternative transportation. 

This data suggests a funding gap between what is considered essential infrastructure and what is viewed as discretionary spending. To put the numbers in perspective, funding the Keiki Ride Free program for five years would cost roughly $49.35 million. Compared to HDOT’s $5.68 billion budget over that same period, the program would represent less than 1 percent (0.87 percent) of total spending. 

Comparing these figures suggests that the primary challenge of establishing subsidized transit programs may not be the availability of funds, but rather how the state chooses to balance its long-term climate goals with its current infrastructure investments.

Community Momentum

This year’s session saw a notable surge in community engagement. As reported in Honolulu Civil Beat, parents, students and educators submitted extensive testimony on how free transit for those 18 and under would simplify school commutes and ease the financial pressure on Hawaiʻi’s working families.

Similarly, the proposal to provide subsidized transit for state employees (SB2993) was framed as a practical solution to urban congestion. By incentivizing the state’s own workforce to use rail and bus systems, the measure sought to reduce vehicle miles traveled, a key requirement of the 2024 Navahine v. HDOT settlement which legally binds the state to decarbonize its transportation sector by 2045.

While community support for these transit measures is clear, the challenge remains in translating that momentum into the legislative outcomes necessary to meet these long-term commitments.

Proven Models for Success

The push for free transit isn’t a new effort. Similar programs are already seeing success both across the country and right here in Hawaiʻi:

• Local Success in Hawaiʻi: Maui County currently provides free transit for riders under 24, and Hawaiʻi County offers fare-free transit to all users. These local programs demonstrate that removing cost barriers can directly improve mobility for residents.

• Statewide Success in Washington: Through the Move Ahead Washington package, the state successfully implemented free transit for all youth 18 and under. This statewide program is funded through carbon-pricing revenue, a model similar to the fossil fuel tax reallocation proposed in Hawaiʻi.

• Urban Access in Kansas City: By eliminating fares citywide, Kansas City reported a significant increase in ridership and improved access to essential services like healthcare and employment for its residents.

• Workplace Benefits: Cities like Redmond, Washington, have found that integrating transit passes into employee benefits leads to higher retention rates and a reduced demand for expensive parking infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

While measures in Hawaiʻi may not have advanced this session, the conversation around transit equity is far from over. Hawaiʻi Appleseed remains committed to advocating for subsidized transit programs, especially for our youth.

The momentum built during the 2026 session has shown that there is a deep community desire for a more accessible and affordable transportation system. By continuing to highlight the success of local models in Maui and Hawaiʻi Counties, as well as nationwide success, we can work toward a future where our state’s budget and infrastructure reflect our shared commitment to a more sustainable and affordable Hawaiʻi.