Oahu's new Skyline rail system is set to revolutionize travel in the Aloha State, and it has been designed with accessibility in mind. Kirby Shaw, a Waikiki resident who uses a wheelchair, was curious to learn first-hand how to maneuver the rail system. Louis Erteschik, executive director of the Hawaii Center for Disability Rights, told KITV4 on Thursday: "On a bus, there's a living person tying you up, in a train car, especially if there's no person alive, you wouldn't have that. I think people with disabilities should be quite satisfied that the railroad has accessibility features."The stations near the end of Ewa have been completed and the railroad services that pass through Kalihi and the city center are being relocated.
The Honolulu Railroad is expected to have a major impact on Oahu's real estate sector, with transit-oriented development (TOD) of housing, services and jobs expected at each of the stops. Honolulu's new Skyline rail system will welcome its first passengers starting Friday at 2 p.m. While some may see it as an eyesore in the sky of Hawaii, others may consider it an innovative transportation method that will transform Oahu. The COVID-19 pandemic has made funding for the railroad more difficult due to its impact on Hawaii's economy. So, what about restrictions on how many wheelchairs passengers can bring onto a single train car? The Honolulu Railroad has not yet released any information regarding this matter. However, it is likely that they will provide guidelines for wheelchair users once the system is up and running. In conclusion, Oahu's Skyline rail system is designed to make travel easier for everyone. While there may be some restrictions on how many wheelchairs passengers can bring onto a single train car, it is likely that these will be addressed once the system is up and running.
