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Big Isle council committee OKs bill for free bus rides

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Big Isle council committee OKs bill for free bus rides

A Hawaii County Council committee has passed a bill that would extend the suspension of public transit fares through Dec. 31, 2028, making bus rides free for all riders.

The decision to extend the suspension for three more years was due to
the county Mass Transit Agency being “undermanned,” said Zac Bergum, the agency’s acting
administrator.

The bill, introduced by Councilmember James Hustace by request, was passed 8-0 by the Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit on Sept. 2. It will now go to the full Council for a final vote. The move aims to address ongoing staffing shortages within the Mass Transit Agency and give officials time to implement improvements, including a micro-transit program that will better serve rural residents.

The agency received a
$5 million grant in fiscal year 2025 to support micro-transit services.

“We’re very rural, and one of the key elements that we’re missing here is micro-transit,” Bergum said on Sept. 2. “It’s when those folks live off of or outside of the 1-mile fixed route. How do we get those people to the next official bus stop?”

The bill’s passage ensures the continuation of free fares, supported by grants the agency received. These funds are part of a broader strategy to improve transit accessibility, address staffing challenges and expand service

Current ridership for fixed-route and paratransit services in fiscal year 2025 has exceeded 940,000. The agency is focusing on service enhancements, including the purchase of additional electric buses.

The agency operates five electric buses in Hilo and is exploring the addition of seven more. Next spring, it will receive two dual-port chargers capable of charging up to eight buses at a time. However, the chargers are not solar-powered where the buses will be stored in Hilo.

In addition to the electric buses, the agency has expanded its shared-ride
taxi program, which offers free rides for the first four miles. Three local companies — Daniel’s Taxi, Kwiki Taxi, and Marhysa’s Taxi — participate in the program, which is especially beneficial for older residents
who may have difficulty reaching bus stops. The agency allocates $1 million annually for the shared-ride program.

The decision to extend the fare-free period comes as the agency works to
develop new routes and service models to further boost ridership. Future plans include implementing real-time bus tracking via smartphone apps to help riders stay informed about bus locations. The agency is also working on a plan
to upgrade bus stop signs and shelters, which multiple council members and members of the public have requested.

While grants from the state and federal government are funding the fare suspension, the agency faces other financial challenges. If the county were to reintroduce fares today, it would cost the agency more than $1 million to install fare boxes across the system, Bergum said.