Carbon Neutrality

The City & County of Honolulu — which encompasses the entire island of O‘ahu — is committed to bold, transformative action that supports Hawai‘i’s goal of 100% clean energy and 100% carbon neutrality by 2045. As part of that commitment to climate action, TheBus, Honolulu’s public bus system, has set a goal of transitioning its fleet to 100% electric buses by 2035. The transition began in 2020 and TheBus fleet currently has 17 electric buses.

In August 2022, The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services received $20 million in FTA (Federal Transit Administration) grant funds for new electric buses as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Honolulu will use these funds plus additional federal and local funds to purchase 36 to 38 more electric buses for TheBus fleet by 2024.

There are a number of benefits that come with the transition. TheBus electric fleet produces zero emissions, decreases greenhouse gas pollution, and reduces its carbon footprint, while lowering reliance on imported crude oil. In addition, electric buses provide passengers with a comfortable, smooth, and quiet ride. Drivers enjoy the quick acceleration, agility, and new technology. The electric buses have the traditional tri-color company design enhanced with ‘ohe kāpala (Hawaiian bamboo stamping) that incorporates the local cultural heritage. To power the electric buses, TheBus currently has nine electric charging stations with 20 dispensers that can charge a fleet of 35 to 40 electric buses.

TheBus system is doing its part to accelerate O‘ahu and Hawai‘i’s route toward a clean energy future.