Everything you need to know to use the new city ferry service
| • | Hawaii gets up-close look at TheBoat before maiden voyage |
Advertiser Staff
Q: When does TheBoat begin service?
A: Today.
Q: What days does it run?
A: Monday through Friday, including holidays, during peak commuting hours only.
Q: What are the sailing times?
A: Depart Kalaeloa 5:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.; depart Aloha Tower 4:20 p.m. and 6:50 p.m.
Q: How many boats are there?
A: Two, but one won't begin service until at least Sept. 24.
Q: Will any service replace the second boat until it sails?
A: The city will provide special buses from Kalaeloa Harbor to Aloha Tower at 6 a.m. and a return bus from Aloha Tower to West O'ahu destination at 5:20 p.m.
Q: How much is the fare?
A: One-way cash fares:
Q: What methods of payment are acceptable?
A: For ridership, cash and TheBus passes/cards and transfers. Checks are not accepted. For food and beverage items purchased on board, cash only. Checks are not accepted.
Q: Are fares integrated with TheBus?
A: Yes. TheBoat service is completely integrated into TheBus system. Any form of payment or current employer programs supported by TheBus can be used on TheBoat.
Q: How much is this service costing taxpayers?
A: Federal grants totaling $5 million are expected to pay for one year of ferry service. The city is spending $1 million to operate buses linked to the ferries.
Q: What docks are being used?
A: Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 9; Barbers Point harbor.
Q: Are these docks permanent?
A: There are plans to use other docks, depending on the demand for service and the needs of passengers.
Q: How long will the crossing take?
A: The crossing time is 55 minutes, plus an additional five minutes to unload.
Q: Is there service on the weekends?
A: No. Scheduled service is Monday through Friday only.
Q: Will there be changes to the currently proposed schedules?
A: Yes, changes to the current schedule will be considered if demand warrants.
Q: Will there be reservations or preferential seating?
A: No. Seating is open, but each passenger will get a seat.
Q: Can the ferries be chartered for special events?
A: No. These vessels are dedicated to serving transit riders.
Q: Are there connections to TheBus?
A: Yes. There is new dedicated bus service on both ends of the ferry's route. See route map and schedule for details.
Q: Where can monthly passes, ticket books or single tickets be purchased?
A: Monthly pass sales locations:
Q: Are there discounts for frequent riders?
A: Yes, there are monthly and annual pass options. Monthly: adult $40, youth $20. Annual: adult $440, youth $220. Annual passes are available at TheBus pass office. Call 848-4444 for details.
Q: Are there senior discounts?
A: Yes, seniors (65 and older) receive a discount.
Senior annual Pass: $30. Proof of age required (includes U.S. Medicare Card).
Senior card: $10. Valid for four years.
Monthly pass sticker: $5. TheBus Senior Card required. Senior passes and cards are available at TheBus pass office. Monthly pass stickers are available at TheBus pass office and at satellite city halls. Call 848-4444 for details.
Q: Are there discounts for people with disabilities?
A: Yes. TheBus Disability Pass: $30 annual (annual pass, medical certification or U.S. Medicare card required).
TheBus disability card: $10. (Valid four years, medical certification required, allows for reduced cash fare of $1 per trip.)
Monthly pass sticker: $5. (TheBus disability card required.) Monthly pass sticker allows unlimited rides for regular local and express service on TheBus and TheBoat for the month shown.
Disability passes and cards are available at TheBus pass office. Monthly pass stickers are available at TheBus pass office and at satellite city halls. Call 848-4444 for details.
Q: Is there parking at the Kalaeloa pier?
A: No. The parking lot adjacent to the pier is primarily used for bus loading, and Kiss-N-Ride (drop-off/pickup by private vehicles) activities. TheBoat will establish at a later date approximately 19 stalls within this parking lot dedicated to riders who carpool (three or more).
Due to the limited number of stalls, TheBoat will institute a monthly lottery system and parking stalls will be assigned.
Q: Is there an off-site park and ride near Kalaeloa pier?
A: No. TheBoat is looking for an off-site park and ride facility within Kapolei along dedicated shuttle bus routes.
Q: The shuttle buses do not provide service near my home. How can I ride TheBoat?
A: By bus: Contact TheBus at 848-5555 for connecting bus route and schedule information so you can get onto TheBoat.
By car: Park your vehicle along or near one of the dedicated shuttle bus routes. The shuttle buses will arrive at the pier 10 minutes prior to departure and will be waiting for you upon the arrival of TheBoat at both piers.
Q: How large are the ferries?
A: The vessels are 72 feet long by 30 feet across.
Q: What is the operating speed of the ferries?
A: 30 to 35 mph.
Q: How many passengers can the ferries carry?
A: Each ferry will carry a maximum of 149 riders with interior seating.
Q: Is there food service on the vessel? What amenities are offered?
A: Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water and other beverages are available. There will also be limited food service, which will be revised and enhanced as guest tastes warrant.
Q: Can I bring my bike?
A: Yes, there are facilities for bicycle storage on the upper deck. Passengers must be able to handle their own bicycles. Crew members cannot assist with the loading and unloading of bicycles.
Q: Can I take my dog on board?
A: Only certified service animals are allowed on board.
Q: Can the ferry accommodate passengers with special needs?
A: Yes, reasonable accommodations can be made. Contact TheBoat to learn more.
Q: Can strollers be taken on board?
A: Yes, strollers are easily accommodated.
Q: Are there restrooms on the vessels?
A: The ferries are equipped with two restrooms on the main deck.
Q: Is smoking allowed on the ferry?
A: No, there is no smoking on TheBoat.
Q: Is there outdoor seating?
A: Yes, each vessel has outside seats on the upper deck.
Q: How long does it take to empty the ferry of passengers?
A: Five minutes is allowed to unload the vessel and another five minutes to load (10 minutes total to "turn" the vessel).
Q: Is luggage allowed on TheBoat?
A: Yes, hand luggage can be carried without a fee, up to 40 pounds for each adult and 10 pounds for each child. Guests are responsible to attend to their own carry-on items. Crew cannot handle, load, unload or check baggage. Hazardous materials, firearms and illegal drugs are prohibited.
Q: Will Wi-Fi Internet access be available?
A: Yes. Mayor Mufi Hannemann yesterday announced TheBoat would be adding free Wi-Fi service in the next couple of weeks.
Q: Can laptop computers be charged on board?
A: The ferry has limited AC receptacles on board. Access to these will be limited by one's seat location.
Q: Is luggage allowed on TheBus?
A: Carry-on items are limited to what passengers can hold in their laps.
Q: Where will the ferries tie up at night?
A: The ferry pier in Kalaeloa.
Source: City and County of Honolulu
