State anticipates improved start to school bus service when classes resume this year

Hawai‘i Department of Education is on track to resume all school bus routes in service at the end of the 2024-25 academic year when students return to class Aug. 4.

Nine routes remain temporarily suspended as of this week — about 6% of the 138 routes impacted at the peak of last school year’s disruptions.

Kaua‘i–Kapa‘a Complex Area has four routes — suspended since the 2022-23 school year — that will be reinstated for the new school year, courtesy of contractor Roberts Hawai‘i School Bus.

Hawai‘i education officials continue to work closely with bus contractors statewide to monitor staffing levels and support new driver recruitment and training.

“We’re in a much stronger position heading into this school year thanks to early planning, staffing gains and creative support options for families,” said State Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi in a release about the situation. “We appreciate the continued patience of our school communities as we push toward full service.”

Ground Transportation Inc. will join the state Department of Education on July 30 during Hawai‘i Career Expo at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in support of bus driver recruitment efforts.

Families are encouraged to check with their schools for route details and explore alternative transportation options where needed.

EXPRESS Bus update

More than 1,800 students are signed up for the Hawai‘i Department of Education’s free EXPRESS county bus pass program, which now includes middle/intermediate school students on participating islands.

Applications for school bus service and EXPRESS passes opened July 14 and will be accepted through May 12, 2026. Letters were sent home to families with information about signing up.

School staff will notify students upoon approval when The Kauaʻi Bus monthly passes are available for pick up at the office.

Visit the EXPRESS Bus website for additional information.