New bus route needs timeliness for success

CityExpress!, the latest addition to Oahu's bus routes, began its operations yesterday.

With fewer stops and a more direct route than either the no. 4 or No. 6, going from Kalihi to the University of Hawai`i will only take 25 minutes. Buses are scheduled to arrive at each stop approximately every ten minutes.

In order to be successful, CityExpress! will have to solve some of the current problems with the existing bus routes.

For example, the high frequency of the No. 1 route often creates problems where, at some stops along Waialae Avenue, two or even three buses can be seen at one time. Long periods of down time often follow, causing serious inefficiencies in the system.

Another dilemma that will have to be solved is the way physically disabled passengers are accommodated. Streamlining the process is necessary to ensuring timely arrivals.

Overall, CityExpress! will probably e successful, if only because the routes are in great demand and the fare is, as it has always been, affordable. Still, lack of promptness is what keeps the bus system from appealing to everyone.