×

MEO takes to the road with four new buses

The Rev. Tino Cordova of Iao United Church of Christ blesses one of four new buses operated by Maui Economic Opportunity at the MEO baseyard in Puunene on Wednesday. Maui Economic Opportunity photo

he Maui News

Four new Maui Economic Opportunity buses that will be used to transport Maui youth, seniors and people with disabilities were blessed Wednesday at the MEO baseyard in Puunene.

The 29-passenger buses were purchased by the County of Maui for a total of $570,000 as part of the 2019-20 fiscal year, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will replace buses that were more than 12 years old, according to a news release.

One of the buses, purchased for $135,000, will be used for youth as young as preschool age and includes integrated child safety seats. The other three buses are Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible with two wheelchair slots. The buses, which cost $145,000 each, will be used as rural shopping shuttles and to transport people with disabilities living outside the 3/4-mile paratransit service area.

The new buses are equipped with Mor Ryde suspension systems to reduce vibration or shock for a smoother ride and an automatic door opener for wheelchair access.

In 2020, MEO Transportation provided more than 357,000 rides throughout Maui County. MEO runs the Maui Bus ADA paratransit service through a contract with Maui County. The nonprofit agency also operates human services transportation, providing rides for seniors, people with disabilities, youth and residents in rural areas throughout Maui County.

For more information, visit www.meoinc.org or call 249-2990.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today