Ridership down 25 percent on first day
| • | Bus passes valid until Nov. 1 for seniors, disabled riders |
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
Bus ridership declined almost 25 percent Monday, officials said, as city buses rolled for the first time since being idled for 34 days by a strike.
"It's not a disaster but also not a surprise," said Kenneth Stanley, Oahu Transit Services' vice president for operations, planning and marketing.
The number of rides was about 160,000 on the first day back, a drop of 40,000 to 50,000 for a normal weekday at this time of year, Stanley said.
Stanley said he is optimistic that ridership numbers will increase. OTS plans to release its next ridership count on Friday.
"We'll be watching closely to see how many people are coming back and how quickly," added Cheryl Soon, director of the city Department of Transportation Services.
Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.
