Starting July 1, Honolulu riders who pay cash to hop on TheBus, Skyline or TheHandi‑Van will shell out a bit more, while HOLO card users keep their capped fares and a slightly better deal. City officials are framing the move as a modest but necessary tweak to help cover growing operating costs, and they are nudging riders to check their cards and reload before the new rates kick in.
What Changes on July 1
Under the updated fare schedule, a cash boarding will cost $3.25 per ride. HOLO riders will see the single‑ride option reframed as a $3 “2‑Hour Pass,” which lets them take unlimited rides within a two‑hour window. The city’s official fare table also lists a $2 HOLO card fee for new and replacement cards, a $7.50 day cap and a $90 month cap, along with 24‑hour, multi‑day and annual pass choices. Those prices and pass rules are laid out on the system’s fare page, according to TheBus.
Handi‑Van and Reduced‑Fare Riders
Paratransit riders will see a bump too. Starting July 1, a one‑way trip on TheHandi‑Van will cost $2.50, the agency says. TheHandi‑Van site directs riders to the Transit Pass Office for card services and eligibility questions. The change brings Handi‑Van pricing in line with other reduced‑fare categories as the city updates its fare structure, according to TheHandi‑Van.
Why the City Approved the Change
The fare updates follow a City Council vote earlier this year to revamp Honolulu’s municipal fare schedule. Officials estimate the new setup will generate about $4 million a year to help pay for operations and maintenance, according to Civil Beat. In a statement to KITV, Department of Transportation Services Director Roger Morton said the fare changes will “help ensure we can continue operating and improving” transit service across Oʻahu.
How to Avoid the Extra 25 Cents
Riders who want to dodge the higher cash fare can stick with or switch to HOLO. Loading and registering a HOLO card gives access to fare capping, autoload and lost‑card protection so balances can be transferred. The HOLO website lays out how to manage accounts and handle replacements, and it links riders to details on reduced‑fare eligibility and where to get cards through the Transit Pass Office, according to HOLO.
