Honolulu Light Rail to Open in June

The city’s first light rail line will finally begin service after more than a half century of planning.

1 minute read

May 18, 2023, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Rendering of white Honolulu light railtrain speeding past landscape

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation / Rendering of Honolulu light rail train

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.

Monday, May 15, 2023 in Hawaii Public Radio

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