The city’s first light rail line will finally begin service after more than a half century of planning.
The long-awaited Honolulu light rail line is set to open in the last week of June, marking the city’s first train service, report Catherine Cruz and Sophia McCullough for Hawaii Public Radio. “With 22,000 permitted dwelling units on the way in Central and West Oʻahu, development is not going to stop, [director of the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services Roger Morton] said. That means more stress on Oʻahu's transportation infrastructure.”
The Skyline light rail system has been in development since 1968, but encountered a series of setbacks. Now, the train will provide a new transit option for residents and visitors in the growing city. Trains will run every 10 minutes between 5am and 7pm on weekdays, with service starting at 8am on weekends.
FULL STORY: Ready or not, the Honolulu rail system 'Skyline' is coming down the tracks
Skyline Rail, Now Serving Honolulu
In a historic day for public transit, Skyline Rail, a project once deemed the worst transit project in the United States due to extreme cost overruns and construction delays, finally opened to the public at the end of June.
Honolulu Rail Cost Overruns Now Exceed $1 Billion
Add another $200 million to the $910 million shortfall already facing Honolulu's rail project. The changing circumstances surrounding the project won't make it any easier to create a viable funding plan to make up the difference.
First Look at Honolulu's New Driverless Rail Cars
The nation's first driverless train car was unveiled this week in Hawaii.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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