Kaua’i Bus changes to take effect March 17

To address the issue of overcrowded buses during peak times, The Kaua‘i Bus will be expanding its services starting next week.

“We’re happy to announce that funding has been allocated for additional routes where ridership is at an all-time high,” said Transportation Executive Celia Mahikoa.

Effective Monday, March 17, the following routes will be implemented:

             Route 150, Kaumakani to Līhu‘e – Departs from Kaumakani Thrifty Mart at 8:21 and 9:21 a.m. and 2:21 and 3:21 p.m.

             Route 500, Līhu‘e to Hanalei – Departs from Kaua‘i Community College (KCC) at 5:55 a.m.

             Route 400, Hanalei to Līhu‘e – Departs from the old Hanalei courthouse at 7:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.

             Route 60, Kapahi Shuttle – Departs from the Kapa‘a skate park at 8:33 p.m.

In addition to the new bus routes, another change that is scheduled to take effect next week pertains to Route 100. On weekends and holidays, Route 100 will no longer turn into KCC, instead it will stop at the Kaumuali‘i Highway bus stop across from the college.

A complete listing of all bus routes can be found on The Kaua’i Bus website, www.kauai.gov/transportation.

Printed bus schedules are available on all county buses and at The Kaua’i Bus office located in Līhu’e at 3220 Ho‘olako Street.

The cost of a monthly bus pass is $30 a month, while an annual pass is $300.

Monthly bus passes can be bought at Pono Market in Kapa‘a, the Menehune Food Marts in Kekaha, Lāwa‘i, Kapahi and Kīlauea, as well as the Līhu’e Civic Center at the motor vehicle registration window.

Another option is to purchase a one-month or an annual bus pass at The Kaua’i Bus office.

For the mainline routes, individual fares are $2 for adults, while seniors and youths ages seven to 18 pay $1 for one-way travel. Children, six and under, ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.

Fares for the shuttle routes are less – 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for seniors and youths ages seven to 18.

The expansion of The Kaua‘i Bus services is one of the projects included in Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s Holo Holo 2020 vision for Kaua‘i.

The mayor’s vision calls for all organizations, businesses, residents and visitors on Kaua’i to be part of creating an island that is sustainable, values the native culture, has a thriving and healthy economy, cares for all – keiki to kupuna – and has a responsible and user-friendly local government.

For more information about the Kaua‘i Bus, please call 246-8110.