Ask the Mayor: Are Maui Bus Fares Going to Increase?

Maui Bus, photo by Wendy Osher.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Dear Mayor,

Q: I was highly discouraged to hear that the County Council is talking about raising the Maui Bus fares. 

A: Budget and Finance Committee Chair Riki Hokama has proposed increasing the cost of bus fares by approximately 50 percent. Under his budget proposal, Maui Bus monthly passes would go up from $45 to $60; daily passes from $4 to $5 for fixed routes; one-way commuter routes would increase from $2 to $3 and paratransit from $2 to $3 per ride.

There have also been discussions on a “low-income” monthly pass for $30, but it remains to be seen what the definition of “low-income” is or how a person would qualify for this rate.

The County Council is still considering these and other changes; anyone interested in submitting testimony has several options: in-person at the council’s budget deliberations; by fax to (808) 270-7686; by email by mail (Budget & Finance Chair Riki Hokama, 200 S. High Street, 7th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793) or by dropping off written testimony at the Council Services Office on the 7th floor of the County Building.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at [email protected], by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.