O'ahu's horrendous traffic is something we are all aware of — no matter where we live.

And we're also aware that solving the traffic mess will take multi-modal approach — the new transit system, the ferry, an improved bus system and a commitment by the public to use their cars less and public transit more.

So it's puzzling to see the city complete a bus-transit center in Mililani and not aggressively increasing circulator buses from the get-go.

As Advertiser writer Lynda Arakawa reported, when the transit center opens next month, transfers from circulator buses in the community won't necessarily be timed to long-distance routes.

Quite rightly, some residents were scratching their heads over spending $5 million for a transit center that they don't see as making much of a difference.

The city said it plans to improve the Mililani system, and since it's hard to gauge how much service is needed there, it is erring on the side of caution.

But as O'ahu gears up to get serious about mass transit, it's crucial that the city aggressively find ways to get O'ahu's residents out of their cars and onto mass-transit systems.

That's why the city should do all it can to make it easier and more efficient for Mililani residents to do just that.

That means frequent-circulating buses, with timed transfers and adequate parking.

Some people want to change their commuting habits, others need a nudge. But all expect the government they pay for to be a full partner in that effort.