Kokua Line June Watanabe

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Bus stop is moved to ease traffic

Question: Recently, the bus stop on North Beretania Street, between Nuuanu and Smith streets, was moved a few feet closer to Smith Street. Many seniors who live in Kukui Plaza feel that the previous position was perfectly fine. Does it make sense to use taxpayers' money to move a bus stop less than 10 feet away? Moreover, it seems that trees that provide shade for those waiting for the bus are going to be removed.

Answer: The bus stop actually was moved about 130 feet Ewa of its original location on Beretania Street, closer to Smith Street, "to mitigate traffic safety issues," said James Burke, chief of the city Department of Transportation Service's Public Transit Division.

That stop serves several routes, including Express Routes A, B and C, which use the longer 60-foot articulated buses, he explained.

Because of the "unique configuration of the Beretania/Nuuanu intersection, buses stacking across the intersection interfered with traffic flow," he said. "The situation was exacerbated during peak-hour traffic."

It was not unusual to have two buses stopping simultaneously at the original location, with a third bus stacking across Nuuanu Avenue, he said.

With two buses at the stop -- one 60 feet long -- the result was that the crosswalk at Nuuanu was obstructed, as were vehicles wanting to turn right from Nuuanu Avenue, he said.

"The new location provides more space to accommodate three or four buses without obstructing the crosswalk and interfering with the right-turn traffic from Nuuanu Avenue," Burke said. "It also improves traffic flow since the occurrence of buses stacking across the intersection is greatly reduced."

Meanwhile, he assures you that no trees will be removed to complete the relocation.

Q: I've often wondered, while riding the city bus in Honolulu, if I could pay an additional fare for luggage and have it legally occupy a seat.

A: Wonder no more: You can't, by law.

Many years ago, luggage was allowed on TheBus, noted Michelle Kennedy, manager of customer relations for Oahu Transit Services, which operates the city's bus system.

But the problem became evident along the Airport/Waikiki route, which is popular with tourists. The buses became filled to capacity with luggage, not allowing room for passengers, Kennedy said.

The city ordinance thus was changed to prohibit passengers from bringing on board anything that can't be stored under a seat or on a passenger's lap.

Kennedy pointed to Section 13-2.4 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, which says: "Baggage that can be stored under a passenger's seat or on a passenger's lap, that will not protrude to another seat or otherwise interfere with other passengers, will be admitted at no charge. Baggage that will not be admitted on board shall include any large, bulky, dangerous or offensive article that may cause harm or discomfort to any passenger. No baggage may be stored in the aisle or on the seats."