The Hawai’i State Department of Education reinstated one previously suspended school bus route in Upcountry Maui on Dec. 9, restoring service for nearly 40 students.

The latest restored routes will be serviced by bus service provider Ground Transport Inc. The state says parents and guardians of student riders will be notified directly about restored routes and any necessary route modifications.

Following the restoration of the route, a total of 116 routes will have been restored, representing 81% of previously impacted routes. Efforts to restore the remaining 22 suspended bus routes are ongoing, according to the state.

Ground Transport is actively recruiting new drivers, and an emergency proclamation issued by the governor allows drivers with a commercial driver’s license and a “P” endorsement permitting them to transport passengers to operate school buses temporarily, in lieu of the “S” endorsement specifically required for school bus drivers. The company is also exploring partnerships with other tour bus operators to further expand capacity.