Before his departure from Hele-On, Andoh joined METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman to discuss how he has rebuilt transit agencies over the course of his career, how reinvention and innovation have been the keys to success at his stops along the way, and the idea of zero fare public transit.
The free fares continue to be funded through an American Rescue Plan (ARP) grant which will cover the lost fares in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Upon receipt of the American Rescue Plan Act funds, the fare-free initiative should extend another year to December 31, 2024.
The first bus will be operated and maintained by Roberts Hawai’i until the base yard in Kailua-Kona is completed (tentatively scheduled for 2025).
Passengers can obtain all Hele-On route and schedule information is on Google Transit through Google Maps, as well as on Microsoft Bing Transit through Microsoft Bing Maps and soon on Apple Maps.
The technological advancements include trip planning, automated vehicle location, mobile fare payment, social media use, and an app.
John Andoh has been serving as the mass transit administrator for the past few months.
The program will encourage the growth of electric bus fleets by helping operators reduce the upfront cost of installing charging equipment on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island.
The designs embrace the aloha island spirit by integrating sugar cane patterns and a tropical forest-green paint scheme.
FTA demanded that Honolulu officials come up with $44 million to help pay for administrative costs associated with the project.
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