PRESS RELEASE
MAYOR KIRK CALDWELL
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
TheBus and TheHandi-Van will require masks to ride, no exceptions
HONOLULU- Effective Tuesday, September 1, the City and County of Honolulu will require ALL riders of TheBus and TheHandi-Van to wear a mask or face covering over the nose and mouth, when boarding and for the duration of their ride.
“As community spread continues through our island, we must take adequate and increased measures to protect our employees and passengers,” said Department of Transportation Services Deputy Director Jon Nouchi. “While most passengers have complied with previous face covering directives covered under earlier emergency orders, some passengers have become complacent, and, in disregarding the use of a face covering, present increased risks to their fellow passengers and transit operators.”
Passengers not wearing a mask or face covering will not be allowed to board TheBus or TheHandi-Van. If a passenger removes their face covering while onboard, they may be subject to removal from the vehicle.
“This policy update is greatly appreciated for our front-line TheBus and TheHandi-Van operators,” said Roger Morton, President and General Manager of Oʻahu Transit Services, Inc. “Consistent wearing of masks and face coverings while onboard will protect our workforce, our riders, and keep everyone safe.”
For any questions regarding “no mask, no ride”, on TheBus, call (808) 848-5555 and press “3”. For any questions regarding “no mask, no ride” on TheHandi-Van, call (808) 456-5555 and press “3”.
The City continues to remind the public that only essential trips should be taken on public transit. Riders should continue practicing good hygiene and social distancing. People who are sick or in poor health should stay at home and not ride public transit to keep our system safe.
