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.
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