Council passes bill to create fare-free bus program | News, Sports, Jobs
The Maui County Council unanimously passed a bill on Sept. 1 to approve the creation of a fare-free bus program, Council Member Gabe Johnson announced Sept. 8
Bill 81, which Johnson introduced, allows qualified individuals to access a bus pass at no cost. Qualification can be based on income, age, disability status, Medicare status or student status, Johnson said in a news release.
“The high cost of living in this county is a struggle for many of our residents on limited and low-income wages,” said Johnson, who chairs the Agriculture, Diversification, Environment and Public Transportation Committee. “I see the fare-free bus pass program as a strong way to support our community by providing a safe and cost-free way to transport residents to work, educational spaces, medical appointments, social services, stores and more.”
Under the bill, residents are eligible for a fare-free bus pass if they:
• Have an annual income at or less than 200 percent of Hawaii’s poverty guidelines.
• Are at least 55 years or older.
• Are eligible for paratransit service or have a physician-certified disability fixed route card.
• Have a Medicare card.
• Have a valid student identification card, if the student is 24 years old or younger.
The bill allows the county Department of Transportation to work with a third party to review applications and maintain an easy qualification process. Johnson said individuals can prove financial need by showing that they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, providing a letter certifying need from a social-service organization or providing other reliable documentation.
At Johnson’s request, the council set aside funding in the fiscal year 2024 budget to launch the initiative starting in January. In the meantime, the Maui Bus service is being provided for free while the mayor’s emergency proclamation for the Maui fires is in effect.
For more information, email gabe.johnson@mauicounty.us or call the Office of Council Services at (808) 270-7838.
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