Maui Fleet’s First Double-Decker Bus to Serve Kihei Islander Route

Photo courtesy: Ryan Piros, County of Maui.

By Wendy Osher

The first double-decker bus of the Maui Bus fleet was dedicated this morning, with the vehicle set to start servicing the Kihei Islander route by the end of March or beginning of April, said county officials.

The $375,000 bus was purchased used, through Soderholm Sales & Seasing, Inc., after its original manufacture in the United Kingdom by Alexander Dennis.

The two-level bus is capable of carrying 90 passengers–that’s more than double that of an average bus, according to county officials.

According to a press release issued by the County of Maui, the Kihei Islander route was selected to help accommodate the large number of residents and visitors who use the Maui Bus to travel between Central and South Maui.

The fare will remain the same for the double-decker bus as it is for other Maui Bus vehicles: $2 per boarding or $4 for an all-day pass.

Among the dignitaries in attendance at the dedication event were: Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, Maui Council Chair Gladys Baisa and Maui Transportation Director Jo Anne Johnson.  As part of the welcoming event, drivers took the bus on a test run through Kahului with county officials riding in both top and bottom carriages.

The double-decker bus also features video cameras aboard, which are stationed on both levels so that drivers can monitor passenger activity.

Photo courtesy: Ryan Piros, County of Maui.

Photo courtesy: Ryan Piros, County of Maui.