Benefits of Mass Transit

THIS IS WHAT RAIL TRANSIT ON OAHU WILL LOOK LIKE

This year Oahu voters have an important decision to make - one that can improve our quality of life and lead to orderly development.  There are many important reasons/benefits to support the City & County Charter Amendment for Rail including:

Rail Transit Reduces Congestion

Honolulu's H1 is one of the most congested highways in America, and by 2030 there will be an estimated 30% more cars on the road.

The rail transit system will provide approximately 90,000 passenger trips a day - that will take about 40,000 vehicles off Oahu's crowded roads; and give people an alternative to their cars.

Rail is more efficient than a bus in that it carries up to 300 passengers, the equivalent of 6 buses or 300 cars. And, because it operates in a separate right of way, it is much faster than buses and cars that operate in clogged highways.

Rail Transit Preserves Ohana

Because you will have less time to spend in traffic, you can spend more time with your families

More growth is occurring in West Oahu where there are more affordable homes.  The rail transit system will provide a valuable connection and lead to more orderly development

If our children and grandchildren have places to live, and there are convenient transportation options in place, they will be more likely to remain on Oahu and keep our families together.

Rail Transit Improves the Environment

The rail system will take tens of thousands of cars off the road - meaning less pollution, a reduced need for new highways and less dependence on oil.

The trains operate on electricity that can come from alternative energy sources

In cities throughout the country, the rail system has led to development around the transit stations.  This will allow more orderly development and will keep Oahu's "country, country"

Rail Transit Enhances Our Economy

The rail project will create nearly 11,000 much needed jobs

National statistics show that for every $1 billion dollars of investment in tranportation infrastructure, 28,000 jobs are created

Transit oriented development brings retail shops, entertainment, housing and other activities to areas surrounding the stations; and all of this is done in a well-planned, orderly process.

The Time To Act is NOW!  Oahu's transportation needs have been studied for years.  The elevated rail transit system is the best choice to relieve congestion.  And, best of all, the federal government will pay for $900 million of the total cost of the project.  If we fail to pass the Charter Amendment for Rail Transit, Oahu will lose this money to other mainland cities waiting for federal dolalrs to fund their transit systems.  Don't lose out.  IT'S NOW OR NEVER. 
More importantly, all other ideas offered to replace rail transit as an alternative do not come with a local funding base already in place, or a strong committment of federal funding that our Congressional delegation will support vigorously.

To learn more about rail transit, visit http://www.honolulutransit.com or http://www.supportrailtransit.com.