Hop On Da Bus!

I greeted few ku¯puna at the bus stop in front of Nordstrom at Ala Moana Shopping Center with one question: “Why do you like riding the bus?” All agreed on a few things — the bus is convenient, a pleasant experience, and a great place to meet new and interesting people.

This is Debbie Taylor, who takes the same bus to Kailua after 25 years and likes that there is “no worry about parking.” Others like Mirsada Dumisic have been taking the bus for five years, and she and her husband have even sold their cars.

Here is information on the senior fares:

• One-way fare=$1 with proof-of-purchase of a $10 senior card or a valid U.S. Medicare Card. To purchase a senior card, you must go to TheBus Pass Office (at Kalihi Transit Center) and it entitles you to the reduced senior fare for four years. Bring your state identification card, birth certificate, passport or driver’s license for proof of age. The monthly pass can be purchased either at the TheBus Pass Office or the Satellite City Hall. Note that the Satellite City Hall only accepts cash
• Unlimited rides, monthly or annually, are offered for seniors by the C&C of Honolulu:
  – $5 per month. A monthly pass sticker is given to affix to your senior card.
  – $30 per year. This annual bus pass allows you unlimited rides during the calendar year on regular or express service buses. A two calendaryear pass for $60. You must purchase their initial
  annual pass at TheBus Pass Office. Once you purchase a pass, you may renew your pass by mail. The Pass By Mail Program will mail you an application to renew the month before your annual pass will expire. Once TheBus receives your application and payment, the office will mail you a new sticker to put on your current pass card. If seniors do not wish to do this by mail, they can always go to the TheBus Pass Office and renew in person. Either way, TheBus is a great bargain.

As I hurried to take her picture before May boarded the #17 for Makiki, she said, “Taking the bus is convenient because it stops right in front of my house and the bus drivers on #17 are friendly.” Dumisic chimed in, “The new buses are fantastic! The seats are clean and not too high.” You might enjoy getting out and around town without the hassels of driving, so get your senior card and pass today and hop on Da Bus!

THEBUS — HONOLULU 808-848-5555 | www.thebus.org
TheBus Pass Office: Kalihi Transit Center,Middle Street & Kamehameha Hwy. (808) 848-4444