EDITORIAL
In case of bus strike, prepare for the worst
A postponement in bus service cuts is a positive sign that a citywide bus strike might be averted. Hopefully, it will give the City Council time to pass the fare increases necessary to generate enough revenue to eliminate the need for cutbacks.
But we can't bank on the dispute being resolved within that time frame. Possible layoffs remain a key sticking point in contract talks between Oahu Transit Services Inc., the company that runs Honolulu's bus system, and Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers Local 996, which represents 1,400 transit employees.
In light of the uncertainty, we urge commuters to prepare for the worst.
Make plans now
Right now, taxi cab and rental car companies, moped rental companies and tour bus firms are gearing up for the strike. But they admit they can't accommodate the thousands who rely on TheBus. So we suggest bus riders make contingency plans as though the strike were a done deal. They can always be canceled if a strike is headed off.
The good news is that the city is planning to launch a fleet of seven-passenger vans to pick up commuters from such outlying locations as Kapolei Transit Center, Central O'ahu Regional Park, Ke'ehi Lagoon Park, Blaisdell Park, Hawai'i Kai Park and Ride, Kane'ohe Park and Ride, Mililani Park and Ride, Kunia Park and Ride and Hans L'Orange Park.
These first-come, first-served free shuttles will operate during the morning and afternoon rush hours and will take riders to Ala Moana Shopping Center along Kona Street; Bishop and Beretania streets; the parking garage of the Hale Koa Hotel and the Honolulu Zoo parking lot.
For more information, call the city Department of Transportation Services Hot Line — 523-CITY.
Other alternatives include:
• Vanpools Hawaii: The service provides a passenger van that can hold seven to 15 people and includes the cost of insurance, maintenance, 24-hour emergency roadside service and backup vehicles. Drivers can use the vehicle for personal use evenings and weekends. Call 596-VANS or www.vanpoolhawaii.com.
• LOTMA: Free car-pooling matches in Leeward and Central O'ahu. LOTMA commuter express coach from Waipi'o and Mililani to Honolulu and Waikiki. 677-7433 or www.lotma.org
• Rideshare program: Numerous staging areas around the island, including Kapi'olani Park, Waipi'o Soccer Park, Central O'ahu Regional Park, Ke'ehi Lagoon Park and all of Lagoon Drive makai of Nimitz Highway, Blaisdell Park, Nu'uanu Congregational Church, Ala Mona Regional Park, Hawai'i Kai Park and Ride, Koko Head District Park (old Job Corps site), Windward City Shopping Center, Kane'ohe District Park, Mililani Park and Ride, Kunia Park and Ride, Waikele Center, Hans L'Orange Park, Pearl Highland Center. Call 692-7685.
• Bicycle commuting: 527-5044 or www.co.honolulu.hi. us/dts/bicyclingprogram.htm. Commuters who live within five miles of their workplace should be able to make it to work in the same amount of time it would take to drive a car.
