The City and County of Honolulu has completed the purchase of 48 new Handi-Vans, at a cost of $9.6 million, to replace an existing fleet that’s long in the tooth and in the garage.

What You Need To Know

  • The new vans are expected to help decrease wait times and meet the high demand for service

  • The purchase was executed at a contract price with the help of Hawaii-based Soderholm Bus & Mobility

  • OTS president and general manager Robert Yu said the new vans will replace older models in the 209-strong fleet

  • The purchase is part of a larger effort by DTS and Oahu Transit Services to address longstanding problems with Handi-Van service

The new vans are expected to help decrease wait times and meet the high demand for service.

“We’ve been plagued over the last several months with the difficulty in getting parts and vehicles and the impact that’s had on the disabled community has been very bothersome,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi at a news conference to announce the purchase on Thursday. “So for us this is really a joyous experience. It not just the introduction of new vans; it’s about the service we’re providing to people out there who so desperately rely on our ability to do this for them.”

The purchase was executed at a contract price with the help of Hawaii-based Soderholm Bus & Mobility. The first five vehicles are expected to be ready in August with the balance ready for use by the end of the year,” according to Honolulu Department of Transportation Services director Roger Morton.

“The small bus industry is affected by the supply chain issue, the same as everybody else, and normal deliveries now are a year and a half out so the fact that we’re going to get our vans starting in about nine eight months from now is really remarkable,” Morton said.

OTS president and general manager Robert Yu said the new vans will replace older models in the 209-strong fleet.

“We look forward to having new vans in our fleet because we’ll be able to provide more reliable service to our customers,” he said.

The vans, Starcraft Allstars, will come with improved reverse docking lights, electronic passenger doors and other updated features that will benefit both operators and passengers.

The purchase is part of a larger effort by DTS and Oahu Transit Services to address longstanding problems with Handi-Van service.

In addition to the new vans, Morton said DTS is planning to purchase smaller vehicles, like SUVs, that can be used to transport ambulatory clients—roughly 75% of all current Handi-Van users—who do not require ramps, lifts or other mechanical accommodations.

OTS is also exploring the expanded use of contractors, such as taxi services, to supplement Handi-Van services.

Further, the city is investing $750,000 into updating its outmoded reservation system so it can accommodate online reservations.

“We know that all of our riders won’t be able to do that but we think that if we can get 25%, 30% of our riders to actually use computers to schedule their trips, that’ll be better for everybody,” Morton said.