Hawaii County is hoping to give sagging Big Island employment numbers a lift by helping to deliver people to job sites and worker-training classes.

Its Mass Transit Agency plans to add new Hele-On commuter bus routes intended for workers and those seeking employment training.

A $312,716 Job Access and Reverse Commute grant from the Federal Transit Administration will pay for the expanded service, according to measures before the County Council.

Free bus rides will be offered between Hämäkua and Hilo; Kau and Kona; Kau and Hilo; and also lower Puna, said Tom Brown, transit operations administrator.

"We're looking at probably a minimum of one run per day in each district with these funds," he said.

Last week, the council Finance Committee gave its unanimous support for accepting the money. That paves the way for the full council next month to adopt a resolution and pass a companion bill that will add the money to the county's operating budget.

The two-year grant requires a county match that will be made with existing Mass Transit Agency funds, Brown said.

Under its contract with the county, Polynesian Adventure Tours will provide personnel to drive the new routes, Brown said.

Priority will be given to commuting workers and those needing transportation to reach job training centers, he said.