Proposal for Temporary Free Bus Pass Raises Concerns and Questions at Public Hearing

The proposal for a temporary free bus pass for individuals who cannot afford transportation for important public appointments sparked a heated debate at a public hearing on Tuesday.

Speaker Therese Terlaje introduced Bill 286-37, which would provide 30-day bus passes from the Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) to agencies to distribute to those in need of transportation for essential services. However, representatives from GRTA raised concerns about the ambiguity of the legislation, questioning whether the passes would be for one day or for a full month.

Additionally, GRTA officials expressed worries about the financial impact of providing free ridership and the potential loss of revenue. Former GRTA board member Evelyn Duenas supported the short-term implementation of the bill but also voiced concerns about the funding needed to support it.

The discussion also brought attention to the broader issues facing GRTA, including the absence of a board for almost a year and the lack of a permanent executive manager. The ongoing legal case involving alleged improper expenditures further complicated the situation, making it difficult to recruit new board members or hire an executive manager.

Despite the challenges, Terlaje emphasized that the free passes were not meant to be a permanent solution but rather a temporary measure to assist individuals who urgently need transportation for public appointments. The passes would be distributed to various agencies, including Child Protective Services, Guam Department of Education, and the Judiciary, to help individuals access public assistance, medical treatment, court appointments, or other essential services.

As the debate continues, stakeholders are grappling with the question of priorities and the need for resources to ensure that the public transit system can effectively meet the needs of the community it serves.