County of Hawaii 1996 - 1997 Annual Report: Mass Transit Agency

Michael Cochran was appointed Transit Operations Administrator in April, 1993. He previously was employed with various government and private businesses. His government experience has been with the State Department of Transportation, Department of Attorney General, Department of Consumer Affairs, and Hawaii County Police Department. He also has worked with the Kona Village Resort.

His goal at the transit agency is to continue to provide affordable transportation to the residents and visitors of Hawaii County while maintaining the County's fiscal policies.

The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency provides affordable and cost-effective transportation services for the County of Hawaii. These services include bus service, shared-ride taxi service, and ride-matching assistance.

Bus drivers are provided under a contract with Hawaii Tran-Zit Company. Shared-Ride taxi services are provided by Percy's Taxi, Bob's Taxi, Paradise Taxi, Ace One Taxi, and Hilo Harry's Taxi.

Expenditures during fiscal year 1996-97 totaled $1,049,808, a three percent (3%) increase from fiscal year 1995-96. The major reasons for the increased expenditures were higher shared-ride taxi usage, and additional bus service in the Kona district.

Ridership continued to increase, totaling 266,055 passenger trips, an 11 percent increase from fiscal year 1995-96. Again, shared-ride taxi usage accounted for the increase. The higher ridership figures show the community's increase dependence and use of the bus system.

The agency will continue to provide affordable transportation services for the County of Hawaii. In addition, service expansion in Kona and Puna are being planned. Delivery of seven new buses to the agency's fleet should be complete by the next fiscal year.