Honolulu metro opens

The first section of the Skyline elevated automated standard-gauge metro started operations between Kualaka’I (East Kapolei) to Halawa (Aloha Stadium) 17.4km (10.8 miles) with seven intermediate stations on 1 July, after a ceremony at 14.00 on 30 June. In use are 12 of 20 78m four-car trains supplied by AnsaldoBreda (now Hitachi Rail Italia) for the 750V dc third rail electrification. Under construction since 2011, the line was originally planned to open in 2017. The USD 9.02bn project is financed by a local sales and hotel tax and a USD 1.55bn federal grant. A further 13.8km remains under construction for completion in summer 2025 as far as Pearl Harbor and the Airport, and finally downtown Honolulu in 2031. 

 

The project was planned, designed and built by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, a government agency, and operations are carried out by Hitachi Rail under contract to the Honolulu Department of Transportation. It is the first metro in the US to feature platform screen doors and driverless trains, and was first studied in 1968. Construction eventually started in February 2011 and many technical and financial hurdles have had to be overcome before testing started in August 2022. 

 

Skyline can carry up to 6000 passengers/hour, but the initial segment is forecast to 10 000 daily passengers after one year. Fares match local bus service with USD 3 for a single ride. Service is provided 05.00-19.00 on weekdays and 08.00-19.00 at weekends.