Honolulu is set to launch its long-awaited rail transit system on June 30th, with the opening of the Hālawa Aloha Stadium station. The first phase of the project covers a stretch of approximately 17 kilometers between Kualaka`i station in eastern Kapolei and Hālawa station near Aloha Stadium. Passengers will be able to board any train, in any direction, for free until 6 pm on June 30th. After that, they must have a valid HOLO card to enjoy the free fare service.
The city's Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is organizing a weekend of free fares to help the public become familiar with how to access stations, board trains and use their HOLO cards. To take advantage of this opportunity, those without a valid HOLO card should obtain one before the start of interim rail operations. HOLO cards can be purchased at local stores, at train station ticket machines at the entrance of each train station, or at the bus pass office. The goal for Honolulu's “shovel-ready” elevated train project was to arrive on time, on budget and on schedule.
When complete, the rail system will have 19 stations along an 18.9-mile-long corridor on the south coast of O'ahu. All travel on the new rail system will be free throughout the opening weekend, from 2 pm on June 30th until 6 pm on July 1st. Railroad advocates say that this project will cause traffic congestion to grow more slowly than without it, will support the development of housing and commercial properties near train stations, and provide an alternative and constant mode of transportation that will not be affected by accidents or traffic jams on roads. Mayor Rick Blangiardi has invited everyone, whether they live, play or work near the railway line, or if they don't, to come and test out Honolulu's new rail system.
The fares for all nine stations will be open to all passengers until 6 pm on June 30th. Starting Saturday, July 1st, passengers must have a valid HOLO card to enjoy free fare service. Passengers must use their HOLO cards at payment gates to enter individual stations, but fares will not be deducted from those cards. The city's Department of Transportation Services encourages anyone who does not have a valid HOLO card to obtain one before the start of interim rail operations.
All travel on the new rail system will be free throughout the opening weekend. Honolulu's rail system is set to provide an alternative and constant mode of transportation that will not be affected by accidents or traffic jams on roads. The city's goal for its “shovel-ready” elevated train project was to arrive on time, on budget and on schedule. Mayor Rick Blangiardi has invited everyone to come and test out Honolulu's new rail system.
