MEO wins 5-year county contract for bus paratransit service

Maui County has awarded another $4.2 million, fiveyear contract to Maui Economic Opportunity to continue to operate the Maui Bus Americans with Disabilities Act paratransit service, the nonprofit announced Thursday.

The paratransit system transports people with disabilities, who are unable to use the regular Maui Bus service, with curb-to-curb pickups and drop-offs on an advance reservation system, according to a MEO news release.

Because paratransit operations are linked to the Maui Bus, service generally is available along a corridor of three-fourths of a mile on each side and ends of a Maui Bus route. Paratransit buses run every day of the year, including holidays, from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., depending on location.

MEO became the Maui Bus paratransit operator in 2018 and prevailed in a competitive bidding process that included for other request for proposals for the contract that began July 1 and runs through June 30, 2028, MEO said.

More than 825 riders took multiple trips on MEO paratransit buses in fiscal year 2022-23.

Like the Maui Bus, regular fares are $2 per ride. Paratransit booklets of 12 tickets ($1.67 each) are available for $20.

To apply for paratransit service, visit maui county.gov/Document Center/View/4620/ MDOT-ADA-ParatransitApplication?bidId.

Completed forms can be mailed to: Maui County Department of Transportation ADA Paratransit Service, 110 Alaihi St., Suite No. 210, Kahului, HI 96732.

For more information, call (808) 270-7511 or email public.transit@mauicounty. gov.

MEO continues to seek drivers for both paratransit services and Human Services operations, which transport low-income and rural residents, kupuna, youth and persons with disabilities without charge. It offers commercial driver’s license training with pay. For more information, call (808) 243-4310 or email hr@meoinc.org.

For more information about MEO transportation services, call (808) 877-7651.