The Maui Bus has changed the lives of many Maui residents. It is the difference between being stuck and being mobile. Thus the length of the bus schedule increases the possible activities we are able to engage in.
For instance: I live in Kahului yet have found employment at a restaurant in Lahaina. The dinner shift ends at about 1 a.m. I am not alone as there are many restaurant and hotel jobs on the west side which Central residents must commute to. These jobs often don't pay enough to support a car, so workers rely on the Maui Bus.
I encourage Maui County to increase bus service hours. Expanding evening service would bring independence to many people, bring economic development to businesses by ensuring a pool of workers with reliable transportation and get cars off the road.
One suggestion to cut down the costs of expanded service would be to switch over to the smaller vans in the late evening.
Also, providing bus service would cut down on late-night DUIs.
Yes, it may cost a bit more, but the advantages would far outweigh the expense.
Clarence Fune
Kahului
