ATI The Alliance for Traffic Improvement

Seeking cost effective ways to reduce traffic congestion on Oahu

Comments & Responses

Comment #1: "Let them build it, they’ll see it won’t work and then we can get on with light rail."

Our response to #1:  If we allow the city to spend the $51 million on the Initial Operating Segment (IOS) we will have to finish entire LPA. Voters do not understand the concept of cutting their losses on dysfunctional operations.

For this reason, no transit system has ever been stopped after it has been started.

For example, the Jacksonville, Florida, people mover, was criticized even by the FTA before it began but they still helped finance it — along with the Jacksonville taxpayers. They now get 3,000 riders a day versus the original forecast for 56,000 a day. (See ABC News.)

Comment #2: "The tour bus and trucking companies are standing in the way of voters improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion."

Our response to #2: No one has a greater stake in the reduction of traffic congestion than the tour bus and trucking companies. Already our livelihoods are at stake because of marginal conditions in Waikiki in the early morning, Kalia Road at Ala Moana at various times.

If we thought for a minute that the In-Town BRT would help reduce traffic congestion we would be wholeheartedly in favor of it. Instead, we believe, as does Dr. Prevedouros, that the BRT would be devastating for traffic congestion.

Already some companies are setting up cash-and-carry stores for their smaller companies because they can’t afford to deliver to them given current traffic conditions. And, remember, extra costs are passed on to you, the consumer, otherwise we go out of business.

Comment #3: "Why are you worried about the IOS? If it doesn’t work, we can just stop it.

Our response to #3: First, see Response #1. In addition, if you use FTA money for new equipment and fixtures and you decide to abandon them, the FTA wants their money back. Ask FTA.