Ride-sharing urged "It's a jungle out there" is the attitude the state, city and private companies are taking for this year's "Beat the School Jam."
as school resumes
"Beat the School Jam" starts
tomorrow as 13,000
students return to classesBy Kelliann Shimote
kshimote@starbulletin.comMore than 13,000 public school students head back to school tomorrow, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Traffic will gradually become heavier through August as more public and private school students return to classes.
Some of the bigger days are Aug. 1, more than 29,000 students; Aug. 23, nearly 46,000 students; and Aug. 27, more than 40,000 students, including those attending most universities.
DOT officials suggest using alternative transportation to ease traffic congestion.
DOT spokeswoman Marilyn Kali said the department will stop construction lane closures on state highways Aug. 20-28, the period with the biggest influx of students.
She urged motorists to stop for school buses when their stop lights are flashing, and to pay attention when driving while eating or using a cell phone. Kali also said it helps to listen to traffic reports on the radio or television.
"Because of the way the island is ... it's very difficult to do any more building of roads," Kali said. "So the only way to deal with it is to get people to share rides."
The DOT suggests these options:
>> Vanpool Hawaii matches interested riders who travel along the same route. Call 596-8267.
>> Parents can also participate in SchoolPool, which matches students who live in the same area. Call 587-7433.
>> The Commuter Express provides Mililani and Waipio Gentry residents transportation to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. Call 677-7433.
>> Roberts Hawaii is offering a free two-week trial period for private school students who live in Mililani, Wahiawa, Waipahu and Waipio Gentry. Call 832-4886.