State of Hawai'i County 2005 Year in Review/2006 Looking Forward

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State of the County 2005 - The Year in Review 2006 - Looking Forward: Projects and Issues Mass Transit Agency Tom Brown, Administrator 2005 milestones New Buses— Bids were accepted for the purchase of ten new accessible buses with bicycle racks. Buses were received in January, 2006. Bicycle racks were also received and will be installed on the remainder of the transit fleet. Island-wide Kokua Zones—The Administration and County Council established the entire County of Hawaii as an island-wide Kokua Zone. Passengers on the Agency's regularly scheduled bus routes may now ride free of charge. Park and Ride Lots— Funding was obtained to establish park and ride lots around the island. New routes— New bus routes between Kau and South Kohala, Hilo and South Kohala, and Kau afterschool service were established. Rural Paratransit Plan —Study was completed in September, 2005. Proposed plan will establish door to door paratransit service in Kona and Puna. Bus Stop program —Working with the Police Department and Public Works, agency has begun formulating a plan and site selection for the establishment of official bus stops in various areas around the island. Bus stops will include "pull-outs"where they can leave the main road when stopping so as not to impede traffic. Future Plans New routes— New and increased service are planned within Kona and Hilo, round the island service, and from Ka`u and Hilo to Kona and South Kohala. Bus stops and park ride lots—agency will continue working on the implementation of these projects. New buses—agency will purchase additional vehicles to expand its transportation service. Federal funding has been obtained for the purchase of new buses.