Bill > SB2726

This bill establishes a two-year "Youth Ride Free Pilot Program" within the Department of Transportation (HDOT) to provide fare-free public transportation for residents eighteen years of age and younger, and for one accompanying parent, legal custodian, or caregiver for children twelve years old and younger. The program aims to address transportation barriers for youth, reduce strain on existing transit systems, and support climate goals by encouraging public transit use and reducing vehicle dependency. County transit agencies will administer the program, and the State will reimburse them for administrative costs, with specific amounts allocated for fiscal years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. HDOT will collect data on program participation, costs, and benefits to inform a report to the Legislature by early 2028, recommending whether to extend or make the program permanent. The bill appropriates $22,000,000 for the program's implementation and will take effect on July 1, 2026, and sunset on June 30, 2028.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2726&year=2026