Regular, scheduled bus service between Haines and Anchorage, with connections for Fairbanks, has been operating for a month, and Charles B. “Chuck” West, operator of the new service, expressed optimism this week that the service is meeting a need. 

Starting small with 15-passenger mini-buses, West said he has confirmed orders for two 49-passenger motor coaches for delivery next spring. 

Buses now leave Haines at 8 a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays; they arrive from Anchorage at 7…