MEO Helps Students Get to School

MEO News Release

Maui Economic Opportunity on Molokai has stepped in to offer transportation services to youths who could not be accommodated by the public school bus service.

The state Department of Education sent out an email to families last week indicating that about 17 students on two central Kaunakakai routes were being put on a waitlist for rides on the school bus due to a driver shortage.

To fill the gap, MEO Transportation on Molokai will accommodate students on its 9 a.m. rural shuttle from the Mitchell Pauole Center, which should arrive at Molokai High in time for the 9:30 a.m. school start, said MEO Molokai Branch Manager Mahie McPherson.

Students will not be penalized for arriving late due to the bus, the DOE said.

A delayed ride may seem like a small inconvenience, but over time it can influence attendance, classroom participation, and the consistency that many children depend on throughout the academic year. Families often need dependable alternatives whenever regular bus services are stretched beyond capacity, particularly during periods of staffing shortages or unexpected schedule changes.

In conversations about these everyday challenges, the role of a school run driver is increasingly recognized as part of a broader effort to keep students moving safely between home and school without adding unnecessary stress to parents or educators.

Reliable transportation also helps schools maintain normal operations by reducing late arrivals and giving students a steadier start to the day, allowing them to focus on lessons instead of logistics.

As communities continue adapting to changing transportation demands, flexible solutions that complement existing school systems can play an important part in ensuring that temporary setbacks do not become lasting barriers to education.

On Tuesday, Sept. 6, MEO will start a youth bus route from Molokai High, leaving at 2:30 p.m., and ending at Molokai Library and Youth Center. McPherson said that the route was being confirmed with the DOE. Students will need to obtain an MEO Youth Bus Pass.

The rides are offered at no cost. The rural shuttle is funded by the County of Maui.

About eight students currently use the rural shuttle to get to school, McPherson said. As word gets around, an increase in student ridership is anticipated. DOE will be sending emails to the wait-listed families to alert them of the MEO option.

MEO is flexible to respond to the community’s needs, said McPherson. Should the need arise, a backup driver and bus could accommodate spillover riders or a larger school bus could be deployed. If there is a need, a youth bus route could be set up for the morning run.

“As a provider of transportation services, we understand the driver shortage problem,” said MEO CEO Debbie Cabebe. “We are happy to step in and fill a need for families on Molokai. Children need to be in school, especially after the last couple of years of the pandemic.”

For more information about MEO Transportation on Molokai, call (808) 553-3218.