Kaua‘i Bus to temporarily suspend service on Sundays beginning Aug. 27

Published on August 11, 2023

LĪHU‘E – Kaua‘i Bus officials have announced that all bus services on Sundays, including paratransit, will be suspended starting August 27 until further notice, due to an ongoing staffing shortage.

“Despite increased efforts to fill our vacant positions, the ongoing staffing shortage has continued to intensify, and to keep the safety of our riders and employees a top priority, Kaua‘i Bus service needs to be reduced starting later this month,” said Celia Mahikoa, Executive for the Transportation Agency. “We understand that many riders in our community rely on our service, so this decision was not made lightly. All other reasonable options have been expended.”

After conducting a thorough review of operations, officials determined that Sunday bus service receives the lowest ridership of the week with an average of 10 passengers per route. An average of 25 passengers per route take the Kaua‘i Bus on weekdays and an average of 13 passengers per route utilize services on Saturdays.

 “The temporary removal of Sunday service will help maintain reliable scheduled bus service throughout the week, while minimizing the negative effects on bus riders and our current bus drivers,” said Mahikoa.

The Kaua‘i Bus currently has 49 bus drivers on staff; however, only 43 drivers are currently on active rotation. The agency has eight vacant driver positions available and is actively seeking applicants.

Sunday bus service will remain suspended until staffing has returned to sufficient levels.

If you or anyone you know is interested in applying for a bus driver position, please visit www.kauai.gov/jobs.

###