TheHandi-Van Service

TheHandi-Van is a public transit service for persons with disabilities who are unable to use the City's bus service, TheBus. Its service area, days, and hours are the same as TheBus.

TheHandi-Van fare is $2.00 per one-way passenger trip.

Advanced reservations are required. Passengers are picked up at the nearest and safest point next to the curbside of the public street address requested. They are dropped off at the nearest and safest point next to the curbside of the requested destination address.

TheHandi-Van is not a taxi and there will be other riders in the vehicle. Also, TheHandi-Van does not provide ambulance or emergency type service. If you require emergency services, please call 911.

How Do I Apply?

1. Complete the TheHandi-Van Application (0.5MB PDF).
2. Have a healthcare professional of your choice fill in the verification page.
3. Mail the completed and verified application forms to the Department of Transportation Services address listed at the end of this section.

You will receive a letter informing you whether or not you qualify for TheHandi-Van. If you qualify, you will also receive more information about TheHandi-Van service at that time.

Please make sure your application is complete and that all questions are answered. Incomplete applications will be returned and will not be processed until completed.

How Do I Become Eligible To Ride TheHandi-Van?

ADA Paratransit Information

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires fixed-route bus systems to provide paratransit (curb-to-curb) service to eligible persons who, because of a disability, are unable to use the regular bus system.

The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) operates TheBus, fixed-route bus transit, and TheHandi-Van, paratransit, through contracts with a private management company.

Eligibility for paratransit service is based upon a person's inability to use the regular TheBus service due to their disability.

Visitors

Persons visiting TheHandi-Van service area who provide documentation of ADA paratransit eligibility from another area will automatically be eligible for TheHandi-Van paratransit service. Persons who do not possess documentation but claim their disability prevents them from using TheBus system will be considered "presumptively" eligible for a period not to exceed 21 days per 365 day period. If the person plans to remain in the area longer, he/she must go through the eligibility process which has been established for residents.

Professional Verification

It will be necessary for DTS to obtain a verification of an applicant's disability from a health care professional (licensed physician, therapist, social worker, or nurse, or certified or registered specialist) designated by the applicant. Your application is not considered complete until we received this verification back from your health care professional.

In-Person Assessment

It may be necessary for some applicants to participate in an in-person assessment to determine eligibility for TheHandi-Van paratransit services. Notification will be given if this will be required. An in-person evaluation will be conducted at no cost to the applicant.

Right to Appeal

Persons who are denied eligibility for TheHandi-Van paratransit services have the right to appeal the decision. A request for appeal must be filed in writing within 60 days of the receipt of the denial of the application.

A copy of the appeal process is available from the DTS during regular business hours at the DTS offices.

Mail application form and direct inquiries to:

Department of Transportation Services
City & County of Honolulu
650 South King Street, Third Floor
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813-3017

TheHandi-Van Rider's Guide

Please note that TheHandi-Van Rider's Guide is only intended for those whose applications for TheHandi-Van service have already been approved by DTS.

If you are an approved TheHandi-Van rider, you should have received a copy of the Rider's Guide along with the notification of your TheHandi-Van eligibility. If you have misplaced your copy or would simply like another, please use one of the links below to download the Rider's Guide. You may also request a replacement hard copy by calling TheHandi-Van Operations at (808) 768-8300.

TheHandi-Van Rider's Guide Downloads:

• Web Version (0.6MB PDF), suitable for viewing on-screen.
• Print Version (1.7MB PDF), suitable for printing out a new Guide booklet.

Note: PDF files require the Adobe Reader from Adobe Systems, Incorporated. Adobe and the Adobe logo are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. Click on the icon below to download.