HONOLULU — Hawaii’s new rail transit system has a new name.
The long-delayed, much troubled light rail project — known throughout construction by the name of the agency responsible, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation — was rebranded as “Skyline” on Friday by city officials.
A city press release says Skyline was “one of many naming options” considered, and explains that the name was chosen because the system will move riders above ground-level congestion “on an elevated guideway, allowing riders to [enjoy] expansive views from the mountains to the ocean.”
Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a press conference that officials hope the new name will provide a new start for a system that will see its first segment open more than 2½ years late and is now projected to cost more than $10 billion, up from an original estimate of $5.12 billion.
“We had lost credibility and I had been told in no uncertain terms, you gotta find a way to get your act together,” Blangiardi said, according to a Hawaii News Now report. “ Get the people there in Honolulu working together in a way that’s credible.”
“This name just fits and feels right to us,” said Jon Nouchi, Department of Transportation Services deputy director.
The initial 10.75-mile, nine-station segment of Skyline is scheduled to open June 30 with operations from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Regular service will begin July 1, with free rides on all Honolulu transit July 1-4. Regular hours for Skyline will be 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends. More information is available here.
Eventually, the system will be 18.9 miles and 19 stations, having been trimmed slightly from its prior plan for 20 miles and 21 stations because of costs. It is projected to be completed in 2031.
A stupid choice of name. If you google “Skyline Hawaii” what you get is dozens of entries for a zipline company.
Given the problems Hawaii has had getting this done, I’m surprised it hasn’t bee rename “Horse-Crap-Line”….
Promoting and getting Hawaii to use public transit of any kind is going to be a tough sell and almost impossible. Hawaiians have been using cars and roadways for years and not going to give up their freedom and moblitu that the private auto gives them. Rail transportation of any kind in Hawaii pretty much disappeared after WWII and whatever remained of the rail lines linking plantations and factories was eliminated in favor of highways, cars and trucks. As of now the only trains operating if they still are consist of two small tourist lines which are mostly for tourists and vistors. The city of Honolulu has a bus system serving the city but most likely very lightly used or patronized. This new rail line isn’t going to attract many riders or make money with a very limited schedule and few hours of operation.
Joseph C. Markfelder
Given the delays, scaled-back implementation, and gargantuan cost overruns, perhaps “Pie-in-the-Skyline” would be more appropriate.
My thought exactly Charles.
Hawaii shuts down at 7:00 PM?