The popular Route E CountryExpress! that starts and ends in Ewa Beach is once again traveling as far east as Waikiki as part of restored and expanded bus service that began Sunday.

Route E’s path was cut off in downtown, one of a series of TheBus route reductions or eliminations made as a budgetary move under former Mayor Peter Carlisle two years ago, city officials said. But starting Sunday, the coverage area was expanded to extend onto Kapiolani Boulevard, Ala Moana Boulevard, Kalia Road, Kalakaua Avenue and Monsarrat Avenue, city officials said. 

The plan adds two new stops for Route E: at Kapiolani and Kamakee Street, and Ala Moana at Ala Moana Center. Downtown stops have also been altered. Go to www.thebus.org or call TheBus at 848-5555 for more information.

The route expansion is key because a number of hotel workers commute from Ewa Beach, Ewa and Waipahu into Waikiki, city officials said. Route E will now allow them a quick ride with fewer stops and without needing to transfer, they said.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell credited Ewa Council members Kymberly Pine and Ron Menor for pushing to make the funds available for the route restoration.