Civil Beat was correct in its Fact Check of the rail opponents’ “half-truth” regarding the subsidy required for operating and maintenance costs for rail transit.

Subsidies for TheBus and TheHandi-Van will be needed regardless of whether rail service is provided. Mixing rail, bus and Handi-Van operations costs does not provide an accurate picture of rail operations costs.

In fact, with the rail system in place, bus operations are expected to cost less than it would without rail. Rail will provide commuters with an option to sitting in traffic congestion and improve the efficiency of the city bus system.

The Honolulu rail project has always been clear, open and consistent in presenting its finances and we will continue to do.

About the author: Toru Hamayasu is the interim executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, and was formerly the head of the city’s Rapid Transit Division in the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services.