Honolulu's new metro system, Skyline, has launched, becoming the first fully autonomous metro system in the United States. The state-of-the-art system, built by Hitachi Rail, is expected to eliminate an estimated 40,000 car trips per day from the city's streets and will be an equivalent of eight new freeway lanes – once it is fully complete.
Lori Kahikina, HART CEO said: "The initial opening of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project is a momentous achievement and Hitachi Rail has been an instrumental partner in reaching this goal of delivering the first fully automated driverless commuter rail system in the country to the community."
The elevated line, which has been delivered by Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) and the city's Department of Transportation Services (DTS), will cover 11 miles between nine stations initially. The service is planned to be extended to the Island's international airport over two phases in the coming years.
Key benefits of the Skyline metro:
Eliminates an estimated 40,000 car trips per day
Equivalent of eight new freeway lanes
Reliable, high-capacity, sustainable transportation
Key driver for Honolulu and Hawaii's economy
Giuseppe Marino, Group CEO of Hitachi Rail said: "Delivering the US' first ever fully autonomous rail system is an extremely proud moment for Hitachi Rail. It cements our position as an international leader in autonomous metros, which have such an important place in offering reliable, high capacity, sustainable transportation for cities around the world."
Rick Blangiardi, Mayor of Honolulu said: "This system represents a long-overdue opportunity and I cannot thank enough the hands that went into completing this first phase of the project. It is because of each and every one of you, our future generations of residents and visitors alike will be able to experience a modernized transit network on O‘ahu."
Photo Credit: Hitachi Rail/HART
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