Relating To Public Transportation.
If enacted, SB684 will amend Chapter 51 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to compel counties to reserve finances from transit fares and advertisements strictly for mass transit purposes, including operations and maintenance. Furthermore, any proposed fare changes must first be justified to the Department of Transportation (DOT), ensuring oversight and accountability. This could lead to increased scrutiny of the financial decisions made by counties regarding their transit systems.
Senate Bill 684 focuses on ensuring counties in Hawaii explore alternative revenue sources, like advertising, before implementing any new fare increases for mass transit systems. Recognizing the financial strain that fare hikes can place on riders, the bill establishes a protocol whereby counties must first assess if additional revenue can be obtained through ads rather than resorting to fare increases. This reflects a broader goal to maintain public transit affordability while addressing operational funding necessities.
The bill introduces a mandatory justification report for any fare increases, which must detail the attempts made to explore alternative revenue sources. This could lead to potential delays in fare changes as counties navigate the requirement for DOT approval. While the bill aims to protect riders from sudden fare hikes, it could be perceived as an added bureaucratic hurdle for counties seeking to adjust fares in response to changing economic conditions or operational needs. The balance between ensuring affordable transportation options and providing counties with the necessary flexibility to manage their transit budgets will likely be a topic of discussion among legislators and stakeholders.