The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) in Honolulu announced it will increase bus service to assist riders affected by the State Department of Education (DOE) cutting back its school bus service.

Federal rules prohibit the City from providing bus service exclusively for school service, but DTS may increase bus service in areas where students will most likely ride City buses. DTS is targeting areas where ridership is expected to increase due to the DOE’s termination of certain school bus services.

“By utilizing projected fuel cost savings, we are proactively working to ensure that students along with our regular riders won’t be stranded when school starts later this month,” said Wayne Y. Yoshioka, DTS director. “Hopefully, this will bridge the gap until the DOE can formulate a more permanent solution to their school bus problem.”