HONOLULU (KHON2) -- It's also about planning the most efficient and stress-free ways for keiki to get to school.
As the new school year begins, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is encouraging Oʻahu residents, especially students, to explore different ways of getting around the island.
With traffic congestion expected to increase as students head back to public, private and charter schools, as well as college campuses, DTS wants everyone to plan their trips carefully and allow extra time for safe travel.
Honolulu offers several transportation options to help students and commuters avoid the stress of driving in heavy traffic.
One of the newest and most exciting options is Skyline, the city’s rail system.
Skyline provides comfortable and reliable rides with stunning views of the south shore of Oʻahu. It connects East Kapolei and Hālawa, with stations conveniently located near University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College.
DTS is encouraging students, faculty and staff to ride Skyline to bypass ground-level traffic. Trains run every 10 minutes, making it easy to get to class or work on time.
Riders heading to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa can easily connect to Route A at the Hālawa Aloha Stadium Station, with buses arriving every 10 minutes.
Additionally, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam employees living near the Skyline route can take TheBus Route PH8 from Hālawa station for direct access to the base.
Skyline operates Weekdays between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. and weekends and City Holidays between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Another great option for getting around is TheBus.
With over 100 routes across Oʻahu, TheBus serves most public and private schools, as well as all University of Hawaiʻi campuses and other colleges.
DTS highlighted the EXPRESS County Bus Pass Program, which allows qualified high school students to ride TheBus and Skyline for free until May 18, 2025.
For younger students and those not eligible for the EXPRESS program, Youth Passes are available for students ages 6 to 17. Click here for more information on youth fares and here for bus routes.
College students can also take advantage of the U-PASS program, offering reduced fares for University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, and Chaminade University students.
Carpooling is another smart way to reduce the number of cars on the road, and it also offers a chance for some fun conversations with friends.
For those living in urban Honolulu, Biki, the city’s bikeshare program, provides an affordable and healthy way to get to school or work. DTS recently took over Biki operations, adding it to the mix of transportation options available.
To make using public transportation even easier, HOLO cards can be used for payment on TheBus and Skyline.
These cards are available for purchase at select retail locations, Satellite City Halls and online. HOLO cards can be registered for individuals or families, and they offer transfer periods, fare capping, and the option to load daily or monthly passes.
As students and commuters return to the roads, DTS reminded everyone to practice patience, manage their time wisely, and travel with aloha.
You can click here for a video to familiarize you with Skyline stations and how to ride TheBus and Skyline.
Whether riding Skyline, taking TheBus, carpooling or biking with Biki, there are plenty of ways to get around Oʻahu safely and efficiently this school year.