REPORT FROM THE HAWAII DELEGATION – WASHINGTON—Hawaii will receive $8.44 million to buy new buses for all four counties, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced July 18.
The money comes from the FY 2012 State of Good Repair Program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“The county bus systems provide our residents and visitors with a safe and reliable form of transportation that improves access to work and leisure activities, especially on the neighbor islands, and we must maintain and refurbish our fleet whenever possible. On Oahu, it is a much needed alternative to driving on an island recently recognized for having the worst traffic in America, as evidenced by recent ridership statistics showing an increase of more than 5,300 passengers a day over the same period last year. Hawaii is also the state most dependent on imported fossil fuels, and the bus is being used more and more by those who want to get out of their cars and avoid high gas prices. I would like to thank the administration for this critical investment,” said Senator Inouye.
“By funding the maintenance and repair of Honolulu and neighbor island bus fleets, this grant helps residents get to work and school while avoiding the gas pump and reducing pollution in the air we breathe,” said Senator Akaka.
“The bus systems across Hawaii are some of the fastest growing in the nation and they provide vital transportation services to both our residents and visitors. Today’s announcement shows the Obama Administration is committed to supporting public transit, which helps to give all of our citizens—whatever their means and whatever their age—access to jobs, education, medical care, and other community resources. These investments will help to make sure that this access is preserved, and that our bus systems can continue to operate safely and efficiently,” said Congresswoman Hirono, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“I thank the U.S. Department of Transportation for providing funds that will allow us to repair and replace vehicles that may diminish the quality of public transportation in Hawaii. Traffic congestion and the need for transportation alternatives no longer affect Honolulu’s urban corridor alone; they are a concern across the state. Our public transportation systems provide our residents and visitors with safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options, and we must continue to invest in their upkeep,” said Congresswoman Hanabusa.
DOT Grant Awards:
County of Hawaii: $1,200,000
County of Maui: $1,000,000
City and County of Honolulu: $5,000,000
County of Kauai: $1,240,000
For more information, please visit:
https://www.fta.dot.gov/13248.html
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