Hitachi Rail celebrates the first anniversary of Skyline in Honolulu, transforming transportation on Oahu

• Skyline – the US’ first urban autonomous transit system celebrates one year of revenue service
• Successful first year sees service achieve a 99.2% on-time performance rating
• Segment Two development underway for the continuation of sustainable transit systems on the island of Oahu

Hitachi Rail – in coordination with the City and County of Honolulu, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), and the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) –celebrates the first anniversary of passenger service for Honolulu’s Skyline.

The announcement marks a year of enhanced connectivity and sustainable transportation for Oahu. Since opening the initial 11-mile phase, Skyline – the nation’s first fully autonomous metro system – has transformed urban mobility in Honolulu, providing residents and visitors with a safe, dependable, and green transit option.

Following the start of Segment One revenue service, Segment 2 has made substantial progress, and it is set to initiate passenger service in late 2025, ensuring the continuation of enhanced transit options for the community.

“One year ago, the launch of Skyline signified the beginning of a new and transformative era in Honolulu’s public transportation,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

“This milestone represents more than just a year of operation; it embodies our commitment to creating a future-ready, sustainable city for the next generation. Although significant work remains to complete the entire project, the positive effects we’ve seen from this initial phase are undeniable. Skyline has already started connecting our communities more efficiently and laying the groundwork for transit-oriented development spurring economic growth and enhancing the quality of life on O‘ahu. As we move forward, we remain dedicated and committed to the vision of a fully integrated transit system that meets the needs of all our residents.” – Rick Blangiardi, Mayor City and County of Honolulu.

“It’s hard to believe it has already been a year since HART completed and handed over the first operating segment of Skyline to the City,” said Lori Kahikina, Executive Director and CEO, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART). “The initial opening of Honolulu’s rail project was a proud and momentous occasion for the HART O‘hana, including our employees, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders. Our partnership and collaboration with Hitachi Rail were critical to hitting that important milestone.”

Hitachi Rail provided crucial expertise in the development and implementation of the Skyline system, from the crucial initial testing and commissioning stages to system launch and ongoing operations.

“Our innovative technology and dedicated team have ensured that Skyline operates smoothly with a 99.2% on-time performance rate,” said Jason Lurz, Head of Operations and Maintenance, Hitachi Rail North America. “We are delighted to have reached our first year of successful Skyline system operations and maintenance. I am proud of our team, from the station operations, technicians, and engineers to our management. They prove that great people can achieve remarkable things when working together.”

In May, Lurz said Skyline passed the one million passenger mark, reflecting the community’s trust in its convenience and reliability as a reliable transit option in Honolulu.

To help ensure the community’s trust and familiarity with the trains and stations, during the first year, Hitachi Rail partnered with dozens of community organizations, including the local college system, public schools, retirement communities, and nonprofit organizations providing tours and supporting events promoting STEM learning.

Building on the past year's successes, Hitachi Rail and its partners are committed to further enhancing the Honolulu Skyline experience. In collaboration with HART, Hitachi Rail is working on Segment 2. Extending service routes to connect more communities and key destinations, such as the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and the Pearl Harbor Naval Base, will be significant for riders.

Segment 2 reached its electrification milestone on June 17, 2024, marking a significant step forward in Hitachi Rail's testing and commissioning for continuation of the 2025 Skyline service. For Segment Two, Hitachi Rail constructed and delivered twenty state-of-the-art trains to the City and County of Honolulu. Hitachi Rail currently employs over 250 individuals on Oahu and plans to hire more before the launch of Segment 2 to serve additional communities.

In April 2024, the Federal Transit Administration released $125 million in federal funding for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project, which resulted from successfully completing the amended Full Funding Grant Agreement executed on February 1, 2024.

Domenico Fortinguerra, Project Director, Hitachi Rail Honolulu, said: "As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Oahu, our committed employees, and our partners. Over the years, many hands have contributed to this successful achievement. Together, we are shaping the future of transportation."