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A new scheduling system will provide Handi-Van riders more precise pickup times beginning Oct. 16.
Currently, only hourly pickups are offered.
City Transportation Services Director Michael Formby said under the new system, a rider can ask to be picked up at 9:20 a.m. versus 9 a.m. If a rider wants a 10 a.m. pickup time, and that time isn’t available, the rider can ask for 9:30, 9:45, 10:30 or 10:45 a.m. A reservationist will see how many vans and spaces are available and check the locations of the vans.
For years, riders have complained of long waits under the current system.
Donald Sakamoto, chairman of the advocacy group Citizens for a Fair ADA Ride, said, "I just hope this is a good solution to the problem right now."
Changes have been made to the no-show policy, suspending scheduled riders who fail to show up three times. The reservation window has been shortened to two from seven days.
Meetings on the changes will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday at the OTS Paratransit Building, Operators Training Room, 811 Middle St., and from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Kapolei Hale, Conference Room B, 1000 Uluohia St. For more information, call the Handi-Van at 456-5555, option 8.
