Posted on: Thursday, July 1, 2004

Roberts assumes Maui bus routes

Advertiser Staff

WAILUKU, Maui — Roberts Hawai'i is taking over the public transit system on Maui starting today.

Mayor Alan Arakawa said an agreement reached with the company yesterday means bus service to Central, South, and West Maui will not be interrupted.

The previous operator, Akina Aloha Tours, decided to halt its Holo Ka'a bus service effective yesterday because of operating losses. The county approved $500,000 for the service in the fiscal year that starts today.

There will be three routes: Route A, from the Ma'alaea Harbor Village to the Shops at Wailea, with stops within Kihei; Route B, from Wal-Mart in Kahului to the Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center, with a stop at the Ma'alaea Harbor Village; and, Route C, from the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center in Kahului to the Shops at Wailea, with stops at Wal-Mart and Pi'ilani Shopping Center in Kihei.

Riders will be able to hook up with Maui Economic Opportunity's public transportation system for additional stops.

One-way fares will vary from $1 to $3, and monthly passes will be offered.

Bus schedules will be available on the county Web site at www.co.maui.hi.us/bus. In the meantime, for more information on bus service, call Roberts Hawai'i at (808) 871-4838 or the Maui County transportation office at (808) 270-7511.