NAWILIWILI — Kaua‘i bus riders may soon be able to go home later than usual or visit their relatives on weekends. The County Council’s Housing, Transportation, Energy Conservation and Efficiency Committee unanimously approved on Thursday funding to allow expansion of Kaua‘i Bus services.
“Many in the community haven’t been able to be full participants in the community because of a lack of transportation,” said Councilman Tim Bynum on Thursday, adding that he drove a checkered cab 35 years ago while in school. “I appreciate the mayor doing this now and not waiting until the next budget year.”
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. originally proposed by the bill.
Bynum said at a Dec. 15 meeting, when the bill was at first reading, that the bill would allow the county to extend bus services until 10 p.m. and will include Sundays.
Currently the bus operates from 5:25 a.m. to 7:50 p.m. on weekdays, 6:20 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. on Saturdays and holidays. Sunday service is not available.
Proposed Draft Bill 2390 requests a budget appropriation of $575,000 from general funds to finance the services expansion through June 30, 2011, the end of this fiscal year.
The bill will go before full council on Wednesday, and if approved, will take effect after Carvalho signs it.
At the bill’s Jan. 12 public hearing, council chambers was crowded with residents who came to express their appreciation and support for expanded services.
Nitpicker Glenn Mickens said Thursday he wasn’t opposed to the bill, but recommended exploring alternatives, such as subsidies for door-to-door taxi services for seniors.
Bynum said Mickens’ idea warrants some discussion.
Paratransit bus services are available for individuals who qualify. The days and hours of operation of the paratransit bus are the same as the regular bus, but arrangements for door-to-door pickups must be made 24 hours in advance, according to the county website.
The paratransit bus caters to individuals who are certified and registered as Americans with Disabilities. The service also caters to human services agencies and individuals who are 60-years-and-older and registered with the county Transportation Agency.
Fare increases are not a factor in the county’s plans to expand service.
General fares are $2 per trip, seniors (over 60 years old) and youth (from 7-18 years old) pay $1 per trip. Children 6-and-younger travel free but must be accompanied by a paying passenger.
Monthly passes are available for $25, six-month passes cost $120 and annual passes cost $240.
Go to www.kauai.gov for more information.
• Vanessa Van Voorhis, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or by e-mailing vvanvoorhis@
kauaipubco.com.
