New report: Statewide “Keiki Ride Free” transit program would improve access, equity, and opportunity for Hawaiʻi’s youth
HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi — A new report makes the case for a statewide, year-round fare-free public transit program for all Hawaiʻi residents age 18 and under. “Keiki Ride Free: Adopting a Statewide Fare-Free Transit Policy” examines the economic, health and safety benefits of public transit alongside a review of existing local and national fare-free programs.
The report finds that eliminating financial barriers is essential to connecting youth to education, employment, healthcare, and community life. Young people are the state’s largest demographic of non-drivers but are currently underserved by the state’s transit systems. While 20.2 percent of Oʻahu’s residents are under 18, youth accounted for less than 1 percent of public transit rides on TheBus in 2024.
“Public transit is a lifeline for young people, giving them the independence to access after-school programs, internships, friends and healthcare,” said Abbey Seitz, Director of Transportation Equity at Hawaiʻi Appleseed. “However, our current patchwork of fares and programs leaves many keiki behind. A unified, statewide approach is the most effective way to ensure every young person in Hawaiʻi can move freely and safely.”
The report highlights several key findings to support the policy proposal:
Significant Barriers to Access: A late-2025 survey of Oʻahu households found that 54 percent of respondents said they would be very or somewhat likely to encourage their children to use public transit if fares were free. The survey also revealed that 34 percent of households with high school-aged children already rely in part or entirely on TheBus to get to and from school, demonstrating existing demand.
High Cost of Driving: The Ulupono Initiative found in 2025 that the public cost of the vehicle economy in Hawaiʻi was $14,400 per taxpayer, or $33,600 per household, regardless of vehicle ownership. The additional private cost of vehicle ownership is substantial—an extra $21,800 per household, per year. Nationally, low-income households spend an average of 30 percent of their after-tax income on transportation, making transit an essential, more affordable alternative.
Fare Revenue is a Small Fraction of Costs: In 2024, TheBus collected approximately $47 million in passenger fares against operational costs of $330 million, an 85 percent deficit. This mirrors national trends where fare revenue covers only a small share of transit expenses, suggesting that the focus should be on broader community benefits rather than fare collection.
Proven Success of Fare-Free Models
Hawaiʻi County: Following a fare-free pilot launched in 2022, ridership on the Hele-On bus system surpassed 588,000 rides, an 81 percent increase from FY21. In FY25, Hele-On surpassed 940,000 rides.
Washington State: A 2021 law providing free transit for those under 18 led to over 16.5 million fare-free rides in 2023, helping drive a 19.8 percent increase in total statewide transit trips between 2022 and 2023.
Orange County, CA: A Youth Ride Free program saw youth ridership grow from 2–3 percent of total ridership before the pandemic to 10 percent following implementation, exceeding 10.6 million rides by January 2025.
The report’s primary recommendation is for the state legislature to establish a dedicated funding mechanism, similar to Washington State’s Transit Support Grant, to reimburse county transit agencies for foregone youth fare revenue. Key components of the proposed program include:
Universal Eligibility: Zero-fare transit for all residents age 18 and under, year-round.
Caregiver Provision: A free pass for an adult accompanying a child 12 or younger.
Simplified Boarding: Allowing youth to board without a specialized transit pass, using a student or state ID for verification if needed, to reduce administrative burdens.
Data Collection: Requiring counties to document youth ridership, peak usage times, and program benefits in an annual report to the legislature.
House Bill 1879, which would establish a statewide "Keiki Ride Free" program, is currently advancing through the legislative process and has garnered widespread support. Testimony submitted to the Legislature has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 80 individuals, community organizations, and government agencies voicing their backing for the measure, reflecting a broad consensus on the need to remove transit barriers for Hawaiʻi's youth.
“Providing free transit for keiki is a smart investment in our future,” Seitz added. “It reduces household costs, eases traffic congestion, builds lifelong sustainable habits, and ensures our youth have the freedom to access every opportunity our islands have to offer.”
