HILO, Hawaii — Hele-On riders now have a new website to access information on all Hele-On services, announced Hawaii County’s Mass Transit Agency on Monday.

The refreshed Hele-On website is ADA-compliant and features tools such as a trip planner, real-time bus tracking, weather updates and accessible schedules.

"Encouraging sustainable ridership of our Hele-on service for both our residents and visitors depends on our ability to make it as easy as possible to access the information necessary to take the ride," said Mayor Mitch Roth in a news release.

"We want folks to know there are alternative modes of transportation that are safe, reliant, and, most importantly, easy to access. We also want our visitors to know that this service exists so that we can mitigate visitor impacts, reduce our carbon footprint, and educate our guests in hopes of creating a more well-rounded and connected visitor experience,” said Roth.

MTA launched the “Get Around Hawaii County” page (at the top) to inform visitors about transportation alternatives available other than renting a vehicle. It includes transport options, regional walking guides and tips to get around the island without a car. The goal is to promote sustainable transportation choices and support low-impact green rides.

The “Most Requested” section also has information on easily accessible airport services; HIBike, which is available through Bikeshare Hawaii Island (Hele-On bus riders get free access to HiBike); a taxicab listing; paratransit services for individuals who aren’t able to use the fixed-route bus because of a disability; and more.

Another new section, “How to Travel with Aloha,” encourages responsible tourism.

For more information on Hele-On, call 808-961-8744, TDD/TTY: 711 through the relay service, email heleonbus@hawaiicounty.gov, or visit the Hele-On website.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.