Low-Income Transit Fare Program Information
The Department of Community Services is accepting applications from eligible households for a HOLO card with reduced fares. Limited funding is available for each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30), and the application period will remain open until funds have been depleted.
Individuals that currently receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefit are eligible for a reduced fare, and should not submit an application unless applying for household members. Click here for more information for SSI beneficiaries.
Individuals 65 years of age or older should qualify for a Senior Citizen HOLO card. For more information, please call the Transit Pass Office at 808-848-5555 (press 5 for TheBus), visit 611 Middle St., Honolulu, HI 96819, or nearest Satellite City Hall except for Ala Moana.
A Low-Income Transit Fare (LITF) HOLO card is personalized for the individual and programmed to benefit from these reduced fares:
Single Ride Fare: $1.25 (provides free transfers within 2.5 hours of the initial tap)
Daily maximum capped fare: $3.00
Monthly maximum capped fare: $20.00
Annually prepaid fare for eligibility period (July 1 to June 30): $45.00
TheHandi-Van one-way trip cash fare: $2.00
• Paratransit-eligible individuals only and cannot exceed the paratransit eligibility date.
Before you apply, you must have a valid government issued identification such as Driver’s License or Permit, State ID, Passport, or Birth Certificate for individuals 17 years of age or younger, and provide current proof of income and/or government benefit letter.
1. An email address and password will be required to start.
2. One application per family household.
3. All family members in a household with income must provide current proof of income and/or government benefit letter.
4. If you need an interpreter, please contact our office at 808-768-7065.
5. If you have questions on filling out the application, please email us at litransitfare@honolulu.gov or contact us at 808-768-7065.
- Enter each source of income information as applicable.
- Upload current proof of income and/or government benefit letter.
- Source of Income and Proof of Income Documents list below may be used as a guide.
| Source of Income | Proof of Income Documents |
| Employed (W-2 wage earner) | Previous year’s W-2 form and/or Federal Income Tax Return and one (1) full month of current paystubs |
| Unemployment | State of Hawaii Unemployment Insurance benefit letter, and copy of latest bank statement if benefits are direct deposit |
| Self-employment/Independent Contractor | Previous year’s complete Federal Income Tax Return including all Schedules and current General Excise Tax filing or Year-to-Date Profit and Loss Statement |
| Social Security | Social Security Award Letter for current year |
| Retirement/Pension/Annuity | Provide as applicable: retirement benefit statement, pension or annuity statement, Federal Income Tax Return, IRS Form 1099, statement from organization providing the income, or minimum 2 months bank statements showing retirement deposits |
| State of Hawaii, Dept. of Human Services Benefits: – General Assistance – SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) – TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) – Medicaid (Med-QUEST) | Current benefit letter or 6-12 months history statement from the State of Hawaii, Dept. of Human Services Processing Center; no more than 60 days old showing family size and qualifying income. Eligibility Determination letter for Med-QUEST recipient |
| Child Support/Alimony | Child Support Agreement or Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) verification letter, or 2 months current bank statements reflecting deposits |
| Other (Please specify) | Documents provided must be from a legal/official source. City Dept. of Community Services will determine whether document(s) are acceptable, and will contact applicant if needed |
1. Income eligibility is based on Family Household Size and Total Family Household Annual Gross Income not to exceed 30% of the Annual Median Income as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
2. Income limits are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the current income limits below.
3. Income eligibility will be determined by the Department of Community Services.
Annual Gross Family Household Income Limits
| Family Household Size | Annual Gross Income |
| 1 | $32,350 |
| 2 | $37,000 |
| 3 | $41,600 |
| 4 | $46,200 |
| 5 | $49,900 |
| 6 | $53,600 |
| 7 | $57,300 |
| 8 | $61,000 |
If you cannot find your supporting documents, please refer to the resources below.
| Types of Supporting Documents | How to Request Supporting Documents |
Federal Income Tax Return – including all schedules | 1) Complete IRS Form 4506-T-EZ and mail to Internal Revenue Service, RAIVS Team, P.O. Box 9941, Mail Stop 6734, Ogden, UT 84409. 2) Register or login on IRS Website for your Tax Record and Transcripts. 3) Call IRS Automated Transcript Request at 1-800-908-9946. |
| Social Security Administration (SSA) | 1) Register or login on SSA Website for your current award letter. 2) Call 1-800-772-1213 or TTY at 1-800-325-0778. 3) Visit a local Social Security Office. Appointments are required. • 300 Ala Moana Blvd., RM 1-114 FED BLDG, Honolulu, HI 96850 • 970 Manawai St., Kapolei, HI 96707 |
State of Hawaii, Department of Human Services (DHS) | Request for a Verification of Benefits form by sending an email to litransitfare@honolulu.gov or visit our office at 51 Merchant St., 1st Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813. |
Up to 30 days from receipt of a completed application for a decision by the Department of Community Services.
Upon determination, an approval or denial letter will be mailed to the address provided. Incomplete application will be considered denied.
This program is based on a fiscal year starting July 1st and ending June 30th.
Applications will be available no earlier than May 1st of each fiscal year.
