As Honolulu's rail transportation system prepares to open its doors to passengers on June 30, many are eager to learn what services and amenities will be available at each station along the route. The first phase of the city's railway project covers a stretch of approximately 11 miles between Kualaka`i station in eastern Kapolei and Hālawa station, near Aloha Stadium. Passenger services to additional stations further east along the railway line are expected to begin in phases over the coming years. On June 30, railway passengers will be able to visit any of the nine stations that will be open for service and board any train, in any direction, free of charge.
The fare doors of the nine stations will be open to all passengers until the service ends at 18:00. Starting Saturday, July 1, the first full day of the train service, passengers must have a valid HOLO card in order to enjoy the free fare service. Passengers will need to touch their HOLO cards at the payment gates to enter individual stations, but fares will not be deducted from those cards. The city's Department of Transportation Services (DTS), which will soon assume operational control of the first phase of the rail line in the hands of the Honolulu Rapid Transit Authority, will organize the weekend of free fares to help the public familiarize themselves with how to access stations, board trains and “use HOLO cards” to enter train stations.
The Department of Transportation Services encourages anyone who does not have a valid HOLO card to obtain one before the start of interim rail operations. The city's goal for the “ready-to-use” 20-mile elevated train project was to arrive on time, on budget and on schedule, according to former Mayor Mufi Hannemann during his speech on the “state of rail traffic” last October. HART places a high priority on meeting and exceeding the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and is working to make it easy for people with disabilities to access and use the Honolulu rail system. While railroad construction continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, railroad funding became more difficult due to the pandemic and its impact on Hawaii's economy. Physically, the Honolulu system resembles light and fast transportation systems, such as the Vancouver SkyTrain, the Copenhagen subway, and the London Docklands light rail. 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. So what services and amenities can passengers expect when they board a train? Most stations have only one escalator that serves each of the two platforms, meaning that most passengers will navigate fairly steep ladders.
However, HART is making sure that all stations are ADA compliant by providing elevators for those with disabilities or mobility issues. Additionally, HOLO cards for adults can be purchased at local stores, at train station ticket machines at the entrance of each train station, or at the bus pass office. While enthusiasm seems to be growing for the official inauguration of the first half of Honolulu's rail system, some are concerned about what services won't be available at each station. Stations near the end of Ewa were completed and public services for the railway were being relocated through Kalihi and downtown. However, there are no plans for food or beverage vendors at any station along this route. I invite everyone - whether they live near or far from this new rail system - to come and test out this new system.
All travel on this new rail system will be free throughout its opening weekend from 2 p.m. until 18:00. The city's Department of Transportation Services encourages anyone who does not have a valid HOLO card to obtain one before June 30th so they can take advantage of this free fare service. The Honolulu Rail System is an exciting new addition to Hawaii's transportation infrastructure that promises convenience and accessibility for all passengers. With its ADA compliant elevators and escalators as well as its free fare service during its opening weekend, there is no better time than now for everyone to explore this new system!.
