Annual passes for TheBus are set to increase by $110

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam has been one of the most vocal opponents of the measure.

“TheBus is not optional for many families. It is how they get to work. It's how they get to appointments and essential services. This is a need to have,” he said.

He noted that 60% of bus riders make less than $50,000 per year, and 20% make less than $20,000.

Local organizations also worry about the burden the increases will have on those who rely on public transportation.

“Today’s decision to increase transit fares will strain the household budgets of our island’s working families, kūpuna, students, and people with disabilities,” said Abbey Seitz, Hawaiʻi Appleseed Director of Transportation Equity, in a statement following the vote.

“At a moment when we should be making it easier to use public transportation, this vote moves us in the opposite direction.”