STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION KICKS OFF 2009 "BEAT THE SCHOOL JAM" CAMPAIGN
For Immediate Release: July 30, 2009
HONOLULU — The state Department of Transportation (DOT) kicked off its annual “Beat The School Jam” campaign this morning with a sign-waving rally at the Makalapa Elementary School to remind commuters that nearly 178,000 university, college and grade school students will be returning to school starting today and continuing through the month of August.
“We want to remind motorists to expect additional traffic on our state and city roadways,” said state transportation director Brennon Morioka. “This is a great time to use alternative modes of transportation like carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, walking, or riding TheBus.
“With the increased number of drivers on our roadways and a lot of students trying to get to school, we encourage all drivers to use extra caution, especially when driving near school zones,” said Lieutenant Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr. “We must do everything we can to keep our keiki safe.”
To assist traffic flow during this period, the state DOT will postpone lane closures during daylight hours for major highway construction projects from Monday, August 24, through Friday, August 28, when approximately 40,000 University of Hawai‘i students will begin their fall semester. Emergency closures, nighttime construction, and roadwork that does not involve lane closures, such as shoulder maintenance or landscaping work, may still be scheduled.
Motorists are advised to adjust their commute times accordingly to avoid peak travel periods and are reminded to properly maintain and inspect their vehicles to avoid becoming potential road hazards. Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) tow trucks will be on-duty to provide free emergency roadside service to keep traffic moving on the H-1 and H-201 Moanalua Freeways between Waipahu and Kalihi from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays. Stranded motorists can reach the FSP at 841-HELP (4357).
Recommended transportation alternatives include biking to work, taking TheBus, and signing students up for public or private school buses. Carpooling or vanpooling with a neighbor or friend can also allow motorists to utilize both High Occupancy Vehicle lanes (two or more individuals per vehicle) on our state highways and the H-1 Freeway ZipperLane and Nimitz Highway Contraflow Lane (three or more individuals per vehicle).
Other alternative commuting options include the following:
- Along with regular city bus service, TheBus offers express service during the morning and afternoon rush-hours and will be working with schools and businesses to encourage more ridership. University and college students can purchase discounted U-Pass bus passes. Employers can participate in the City’s tax-deductible bus pass program for their employees. For more information, call 848-5555 or visit www.thebus.org.
- Vanpool Hawai‘i offers vehicles to groups of four or more for their shared commute. Costs start at $65 per person monthly. Vanpoolers also share costs for commute fuel and parking fees. Children may also join, as long as a parent is part of their vanpool. For more information, call 596-VANS (8267) or visit www.vanpoolhawaii.com.
- The Leeward Oahu Transportation Management Association (LOTMA) manages programs and services designed to accommodate the growing travel needs of Leeward Oahu communities. Services include free carpool matching, LOTMA Commuter Express buses, and the Emergency Ride Home Program. For more information, call 677-RIDE (7433) or visit www.lotma.org.
- The State Department of Transportation's Ride Share program matches individuals with carpools in their communities. For more information, contact the Ride Share coordinator at 692-7695 or via e-mail at rideshare@hawaii.gov.
