Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMass Transit Administrator's ReportMASS TRANSIT AGENCY Management Staff: Zachary Bergum- Mass Transit Assistant Administrator Currently Mass Transit Administrator (TA) Kelly Ann Fujii – Accountant I Currently Administrative Services Assistant I (TA) Tiffany Kai – Transit Program Manager (Paratransit & Demand Response) Kasie Kailikea – Transit Program Manager (Fixed Route) Jennifer Martin – Transit Fleet and Facilities Manager Organizational Structure The Mass Transit Agency is guided by the Mass Transit Administrator, whom is the chief administrator for the operations and activities of the mass transit program and taxicab regulatory oversight for the County of Hawai’i as defined in the Hawai’i County Code. Divisions are: • Transit Vehicle Maintenance Support • Administrative Support Branches are: • Transit Services • Fiscal and Human Resources Transportation Commission The transportation commission has nine members who are nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the County Council. This Commission is charged with providing oversight of taxicab services in Hawai’i County as well as providing advisory support to the Mass Transit Administrator regarding transit operations. Vision Statement Create a high-quality multi-modal transportation system that provides safe, reliable, convenient mobility choices that meet the commuting, social service, and other needs of our residents and visitors. The multi-modal system should be environmentally responsible and cost effective. Agency Goals Goal One: Make riding transit easier, reliable, and more desirable than other options. Goal Two: Create a transit system to serve the employment and social needs of all people Goal Three: Implement technology to provide real time transportation information Goal Four: Create transportation hubs and bus stops with amenities that provide rider comfort and safety and that help support community and village gathering places Goal Five: Phase system implementation in a fiscally sustainable manner Agency Objectives 1. Improve transportation mobility for the public, including service for the mobility impaired. Make riding public transportation easier, reliable, and compatible with other multi-modal options. 2. Assist the public in obtaining transportation alternatives to the private automobile through the use of buses, ride sharing, bicycling, in a fiscally sustainable manner. Create a transit system responsive to the needs of all populations and those for whom transit is a necessity. 3. To allow users of the transportation system to travel to work, health services, educational institutions, business, and commerce centers, after school activities, and recreational sites. Connect modes to enable a seamless integration of transit networks, bicycle, and pedestrians by the use of transportation hubs and bus stops. Implement technology to provide real time transportation information. Overview The Mass Transit Agency (MTA) provides public transportation services known as the Hele-On Bus system. Hele-On is a service of the County of Hawai‘i and provides county-wide public transit services on 23 fixed & flex routes. Under the Hele On bus umbrella, MTA also offers origin to destination Hele-On Kako’o Paratransit Services, Ka Ho‘okele Rural transportation, Vanpool, and a Shared-Ride Taxi program. Hele-On Bus Service The Hele-On bus service operates daily primarily from 3:15 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. with some routes operating only Monday through Friday. We offer limited services on County observed holidays. All buses are ADA accessible, air conditioned, and equipped with bicycle racks. In addition, MTA contracts with Robert’s Hawaii to assist in Hele-On bus operations. Hele-On Bus riders consist of the general public, including seniors, students, and persons with disabilities and commuters. Many of Hele-On riders are low income and have no other means of transportation. Individuals with a disability who are unable to use the regular fixed Hele-On route services within the Hilo and Kailua- Kona service areas are afforded the opportunity to use Paratransit services known as Hele-On Kakoʻo. Hele-On Bus Routes Hele-On Paratransit Service MTA offers paratransit services for persons with disabilities who are unable to use the regular Hele-On fixed route. It is an advance reservation, origin to destination service within Hilo, Puna, and Kona. Paratransit service is available within corridors whose boundaries extend up to one (1) mile beyond designated Hele-On fixed bus routes. Days and hours of operation for paratransit service are: Hilo: Monday–Saturday 6:15 a.m. - 7:45 p.m. Sunday/Holiday: 9:15 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Puna: Monday-Friday: 5:30 a.m. -10:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Kona: Daily: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Hele-On Kaho‘okele Rural Services The County of Hawai‘i Mass Transit Agency proudly introduces Hele-On Ka Ho’okele Rural Transportation Program. Hele-On Ka Ho‘òkele provides public transit to individuals who reside in rural areas outside of the regular Hele-On fixed route and paratransit services. The program is available to the general public, Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., excluding County observed holidays. Services are operated by Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC). Please call (808) 731-7009, option 3 for more information. Hele-On Hoa Holo (Vanpool) With Hele-On Hoa Holo, sharing a ride to work is easy. Through Commute with Enterprise, Hele-On will subsidize $500 per month for each vanpool group formed. We'll help you form a pool with coworkers who live nearby and provide a recent-model vehicle. You'll save money, while getting back valuable time in your day. To learn more, call 1-800-VAN-4-WORK Shared Ride Taxi Program The County of Hawai‘i Mass Transit Agency offers a flexible shared ride program operated by taxis. Travel is unlimited and the County will subsidize up to $15.80 per trip (equivalent to 4 miles). Passengers must present their Shared Ride Identification Card and are responsible for paying the balance of the rate. Taxis accept cash only and a portion of the taxicabs are ADA accessible to equally afford services to individuals with a disability. Service hours are equivalent to the fixed route service hours. Additional hours are subject to carrier’s discretion; however, you will be required to pay the metered rates. Taxicabs The County of Hawaiʻi Mass Transit Agency determines owner eligibility; issue permits; monitor compliance with administrative and operational regulations; investigate passenger complaints and compliments. The Transportation Commission reviews, approves or denies all taxicab operator permits. During Fiscal Year 2024-2025, a total of 67 (33 in the Hilo area; 34 in the Kona area) taxicab companies were registered in the County of Hawai’i. Ridership Budget FY 2024-2025 • GET $44,457,878 • Federal Grants $26,167,219 The total budget for FY 2024-2025 amounted to $44,457,878. The General Excise Taxes covers salaries, wages, equipment cost, and operations.