By: Olkeriil Eoghan Ngirudelsang
KOROR – A new public bus route with expanded service began Monday in Koror. The bus now operates Monday through Friday, up from twice a week previously.
The new route includes more stops throughout Koror, and fares remain at $1 per ride.
The first westbound bus departs Surangel Super Center at 8:30 a.m., making 19 stops before arriving at Ice Box Park at 9:03 a.m. The 19 stops are: Surangel Super Center, True Value, JP Friendship Bridge (Airai side), Ngermid, Ngerchemai, Midszenty High School, Etpison Museum, Palasia Hotel, WCTC/Yano Clinic, PNCC Koror, Palau High School Gym, Old Age Center, Chamayong Center, Belau National Hospital, Elilai Restaurant, Sea Passion, Bureau of Customs & Park Border Protection.
The first eastbound bus departs Ice Box Park at 9:05 a.m., making 20 stops before arriving at Surangel Super Center in Airai at 9:36 a.m. The stops include: Ice Box Park, Malakal Port, Fisheries Dock, Cove/Palau Royal Resort, Miso Hungry/Chopshop Restaurants, Long Island Park, PRA Gas Station, BA Store, Old Age Center, MOE Building, Ernguul Park, Palau Post Office, WCTC, Moylan’s Insurance, Etpison Museum, Midszenty High School, Ngermid, Ngerchemai, Klubed/Bem Ermii.
The bus will make six round trips daily between Surangel Super Center and Ice Box Park. Westbound departures are at 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3 p.m. Eastbound departures are at 9:05 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 11:35 a.m., 1:05 p.m., 2:20 p.m., and 3:35 p.m.
A complete bus schedule, including stop times, is available online through Palau Eco, Friendly Public Transport, the Ministry of HRCTD, PVA, and JICA Facebook pages, according to Director August.
The bus program is soliciting feedback from riders, including members of the Ekei women’s group and the Omekesang organization, to improve service for elderly and disabled passengers.
The project is a partnership between the Palau government and JICA.