Honolulu Council votes to increase transit fares; Hawaiʻi Appleseed urges support for Keiki Ride Free at the State Legislature

HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi — Today, the Honolulu City Council voted 6–3 to approve Bill 54, raising fares for TheBus and TheHandi-Van. Community opposition to the measure was clear, with 96 percent of written testimony submitted before the hearing in opposition (48 against compared with two in support).

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

The fare hike comes despite data showing its disproportionate impact on low-income families. Over 20 percent of bus riders have household incomes below $20,000 a year, and more than half do not have a car at home. For these residents, public transit is a lifeline to jobs, healthcare, education, and groceries. Increasing its cost forces impossible choices between transportation and other basic needs.

Furthermore, the policy is shortsighted. Historical data shows that fare increases reduce ridership, pushing more people out of public transit. This leads to more congested roads, higher carbon emissions, and undermines the city’s climate and mobility goals.

“But this moment also clarifies the path forward,” added Seitz. “Rather than increasing transit revenue by asking more from those who can least afford it, we have a clear alternative: invest in making transit more accessible, not more expensive.”

That alternative begins with Keiki Ride Free, a policy proposal that would provide zero-fare transit access for all youth 18 and under across Hawaiʻi. The policy would ensure keiki can reliably reach school, after-school programs, jobs, healthcare, and recreational activities year-round—without financial barriers for their families.

Hawaiʻi Appleseed supports several bills at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature (SB2726 / SB2699 / HB1879 / HB2373) proposing a simple, pass-free boarding system, funded through a state-level mechanism to reimburse counties for foregone fare revenue. The policy is designed to be efficient, equitable, and scalable—turning today’s setback into a long-term investment in Hawaiʻi’s next generation.

Public transit is more than a service; for young people, it is a tool for independence, opportunity, and growth. Research from other states shows that fare-free transit programs significantly increase ridership, reduce vehicle trips, and deliver meaningful economic and quality-of-life benefits to communities.

“We can choose a different future,” said Seitz. “Instead of asking struggling families to pay more, let’s invest in a system that works for them. Keiki Ride Free is that opportunity—a chance to build a more connected, equitable, and sustainable transit system for everyone.”

Hawaiʻi Appleseed thanked the advocates and community members who testified against the fare hike, as well as Honolulu Council Members Weyer, Dos Santos-Tam and Cordero for voting No on Bill 54.