Increased Hele-On bus ridership on Ali'i Drive has prompted the county to contract with a private company to provide free shuttle service between Kailua and Keauhou.

"There is a need for additional service on Ali'i Drive — and it isn't slowing down. With the economy and rising gas prices, more people are seeing the bus as a viable option," said Mass Transit Agency Administrator Tom Brown, who noted the shuttle service should be running by year's end. "We are always looking to expand bus services and Ali'i Drive is certainly a heavily used route."

The intra-Kona route, which runs between Honaunau and Kona International Airport, servicing Ali'i Drive, has seen its ridership nearly double, from 2,638 passengers in October 2008 to 5,270 riders last month, Brown said.

The shuttle will operate in addition to the four Hele-On routes that already traverse Kailua, Kona via Ali'i Drive.

Because the contract hasn't been awarded officially, Brown would not say which company submitted the lowest bid. He also declined to provide an estimated cost of the contract, but said federal and county dollars will fund the service.

The 30-passenger shuttle will meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, but will not be outfitted with bicycle racks, he said.

The route will run from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday between the Old Kona Airport Park and Keauhou, servicing all of Ali'i Drive.