FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2003   

CITY VAN PROGRAM TO ASSIST COMMUTERS IN EVENT OF BUS STRIKE

          Mayor Jeremy Harris has announced the activation of a temporary City Van Program as part of the City's contingency plan in the event of a bus strike.  Oahu residents wishing to make use of the proposed service are asked to call the City subscription line to reserve their seats on a first-come, first-served basis.  The phone line (523-4381) will be open during business hours on Saturday, August 23, and again on Monday, August 25.

           "It will be nearly impossible to replace TheBus if a strike occurs," the Mayor said.  Hopefully, it will not come to that.  But if it does, the City has made arrangements to establish a pool of just over 100 vans to provide limited direct shuttle service from selected pick-up sites in outlying areas into downtown Honolulu and Waikiki.

           "We're doing what we can to mobilize the City's resources during what may be a stressful time for many of our residents," the Mayor said.  "This limited shuttle service can't be the answer for everyone, which is why I'm recommending it be targeted to lower-income communities.  I'm asking all commuters who need a ride to work to explore other options first, such as carpooling with friends and family."

           In the event of a strike, City vans will begin making scheduled pick-ups of passengers with reservations at each of the following locations on the morning of Tuesday, August 26 and everyday for as long as the strike is in effect:

·        Waianae Neighborhood Community Center

·        Kapolei Transit Center

·        Wahiawa – Fred Wright Park

·        Hans L'Orange Park

·        Blaisdell Park

·        School Street bus stop near Kapalama Elementary

·        Kaneohe – Windward Mall Bus Stop

          Each staging area would have two morning pick-ups per day, at 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Waianae's pickup will be at 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Passengers will be brought to the Chinatown Gateway facility in downtown Honolulu, where a shuttle service will be available for those wishing to continue into Waikiki. 

           Return service will be available to passengers with shuttle reservations from Waikiki to Chinatown and then from Chinatown to the original pick-up points at 3:30 pm. and 5:30 p.m.

           The reservation number for the City Van Program is 523-4381.  Callers who get a recording should leave their name, a daytime telephone number, and the area of the island where they live.  A City staff person will return the call to complete the reservation.  Residents must be at least 18 years of age to qualify for this interim transportation service.

           Due to the temporary nature of this service, the City will not be able to accommodate people with disabilities.  Individuals with disabilities are advised to call HandiVan at 456-5555 or Aloha State Cab at 847-3566.

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