LIHU'E — A free bus program for Kaua'i County employees that is set to begin Monday has been met with much enthusiasm, Kaua'i officials said.

Approximately 180 people signed up this week for the county's free bus pass program, which will end automatically at the end of seven months.

"The response has been great. We've had employees in nearly every department sign up for the program," said Janine Rapozo, executive on transportation. "When the late Mayor Bryan Baptiste came up with idea for the program, I believe his intent was to have the county serve as a role model.

"He had hoped that after seeing a lot of county employees riding The Kaua'i Bus, local businesses would actively encourage their employees to ride the bus or possibly offer it as an incentive," Rapozo said.

Noting the benefits of the county bus program, Rapozo said that it will reduce the number of cars on the roads and the amount of air pollution caused by the cars, as well as free up parking at the Lihu'e Civic Center.

Ideally, county personnel who participate in the pilot program will find that it suits their lifestyle and will continue to ride the bus after the program ends, added Rapozo.

Bus passes are $15 a month and entitle riders to travel anywhere that The Kaua'i Bus goes.

For the mainline routes, individual fares are $1.50 for adults, while seniors and children ages 7 to 18 pay 75 cents for one-way travel. Children 6 and under ride free when with an adult.

Fares for the shuttle routes are less — 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for seniors and children ages 7 to 18.

For more information about The Kaua'i Bus, call 808-241-6410 or visit www.kauai.gov.