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September 1975

October 1975

Update: City Government
From the President (Carol Whitesell)
September Calendar
Aloha to these New Members
Publications
Congratulations!!!
Units
League Day at City Hall
Help!!!
Goodies and Equipment
Volunteers Needed
Transportation Position

Transportation Position

Earlier studies of planning done by the League in Honolulu sought to understand the needs for transportation in the growing community. Studies of air quality, human resources and energy are related to transportation; so, too, the recent state and national positions on land use and our Honolulu position on planning. We are able to utilize these League positions for action at local levels and to give further attention to current transportation considerations in Honolulu.

Following are the recently developed statements which will guide local action as indicated in discussions and formulated with board approval. Further study will continue and additional points, may be added in the future.

TRANSPORTATION POSITION

The League of Women Voters of Honolulu supports transportation planning which will identify the public's. needs and use creative and innovative approaches to meet those needs.

The League seeks a planning process which recognizes that transportation planning must be an integral part of long range planning for Oahu.

We recognize that any transportation system must be evaluated in part as to how it helps implement land use goals.

There should be a two-way communication system in which all segments of the public have input to the transportation planning process. One in which the planning Agencies inform the public of data concerns and goals in order to enlist the public's informed participation and understanding.

We seek a balanced transportation system which provides for increasingly attractive alternatives to the .automobile

The transportation system should continually strive for improved service which will provide equal access to transportation for all while continually assessing differing needs.

We realize that overall trip time is paramount in the public's estimation of service and that any feeder system is a vital link in the total system.

AMPLIFYING POINTS

The first step in meeting transportation needs is to identify them clearly from the point of view of the individual user. To pinpoint needs the following should be taken into consideration: trip purpose, terrain, special needs of large groups, image of the public system.

Impact statements should include related factors between a transportation system and growth of the community in order to heighten public awareness to the interrelationship.

A continuous interactive communication process between the public and transportation planning officials would improve the quality of planning and increase public awareness of transportation problems and acceptance of new programs.. Communication suggestions include: newspaper column for ideas and complaints; survey of attitudes; input from neighborhood boards, community associations, unions and other groups; spotters on buses to ask questions; educational programs to promote use of mass transit.

Alternatives to decrease the dominance of the car might include such incentives to use mass transit as: family rates; substitute services such as more store deliveries; use of drive-ins for daytime parking combined with express service to key work areas.

The single most important factor in a rider's evaluation of service is the overall including walking, waiting and transferring. Thus the frequency of vehicles and reliability of schedules is of high priority. Availability of schedule information and assurance that the bus is never earlier than scheduled is essential. Also smaller buses on the hillsides; mini buses everywhere; shuttle buses in town - open and easy to board; provisions for surfboards, luggage, and handicapped; one or half-day passes; continuous training for drivers; and shelters.

Viewed as a public service the transportation system must have certain categories for regular riders, families, school children and senior citizens.

September, 1975

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