Kokua Line June Watanabe

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TheBus will replace ruined passes

Question: I use TheBus at least twice daily, so I shell out $40 each month for my adult pass. Recently, I inadvertently left my pass in my shirt pocket and washed and dried it. The pass was in bits and pieces, but the artwork, color and partial month designation were clearly identifiable. My bus driver suggested I contact the city Department of Transportation Services. The woman who took my call said I could request a replacement from the Kalihi Transit Center. When I asked if I could go to a satellite city hall, she said I could visit any satellite city hall for a replacement pass. However, when a woman at the Fort Street Mall satellite city hall looked at the pieces I brought in, she said that all bus pass sales were final and TheBus had no policy for replacing mutilated or partially destroyed passes. Is this really a policy of TheBus not to replace mutilated passes? Even the federal government will replace partially destroyed bills as valid legal tender as long as they pass a recognition test.

Answer: We're happy that you subsequently were able to replace your bus pass.

TheBus officials apologized for the runaround you got.

Although the policy printed on the back of the bus pass states that damaged and lost passes will not be replaced, "we have been authorized by the city to replace mutilated passes that can be clearly identified as a valid monthly pass for the current month," said Michelle Kennedy, spokeswoman for Oahu Transit Services, which runs TheBus system.

"We will also need to be sure that there are not multiple individuals using various pieces of the same pass for separate replacements," she said.

All replacement transactions take place only at TheBus Pass Office at the Kalihi Transit Center, 811 Middle St.

The number to call is 848-4444, and office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, except holidays.

"To alleviate any future confusion, we have reminded our staff of the policy, and information is being sent out to the various sales outlets to refer all inquiries regarding bus passes to TheBus Pass Office," Kennedy said.

Auwe and Mahalo

To the driver of a Honda for cutting in front of me to get into the carpool lane, forcing me to jam on my brakes while going 55 mph with cars behind me. There was only ONE occupant in the car. Auwe to the carpool lane in general.

At least 50 percent of the vehicles appear to have only one occupant. It rewards lawbreakers and punishes law-abiding drivers who lose one lane during busy rush-hour traffic. Why have the carpool lane since the ZipperLane allows cars with two occupants and there is no enforcement of the rules?

On a more positive note, mahalo to the police officer who stopped to assist me last Friday afternoon while I was stalled on the freeway. It's great to know that our officers in blue are there to assist us in times of emergency. -- Allan Kanno