Skyline Hawaii: Hitachi Rail’s Autonomous Rail Expansion in Honolulu

Hitachi Rail’s **Skyline** in Honolulu launched Segment 2, expanding the **urban light railway** with new stations, enhancing mobility for residents and visitors.

Skyline Hawaii: Hitachi Rail’s Autonomous Rail Expansion in Honolulu
October 17, 2025 12:54 am
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Introduction

Hitachi Rail, in collaboration with the City and County of Honolulu, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), and the Department of Transportation Services (DTS), has launched Segment 2 of Skyline, the first fully autonomous urban light railway system in the United States.

Segment 2 Launch

The new extension includes four stations: Makalapa Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Lelepaua Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Ahua Lagoon Drive, and Kahauiki Kalihi Transit Center. This expansion is designed to enhance mobility for both residents and visitors.

Project Significance

The Skyline project is the largest public infrastructure investment in Hawaii’s history. The expanded service aims to link major employment, transport, and community hubs across Oʻahu.

Grand Opening

A grand opening ceremony took place at the Kahauiki Middle Street Transit Center Station. The event included an inaugural train ride from Halawa Aloha Stadium Station through the newly opened Segment 2 stations. Attendees were greeted with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and speeches from city and project leaders.

Future Plans

Passenger services on Segment 2 are set to commence on 16 October 2025, with free public ride days on 18 and 19 October. The expansion brings the total number of stations to 13 across Segments 1 and 2. Segment 3 is planned for completion by 2031, which will add six additional stations, connecting Oʻahu’s western corridor to downtown Honolulu.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Conclusion

Skyline is designed to provide a sustainable, zero-emission transportation alternative to connect communities, reduce congestion, and support the island’s environmental objectives.

Company Summary

Hitachi Rail: A company involved in the development and operation of the Skyline urban light railway system.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART): A key partner in the Skyline project.

City and County of Honolulu: A partner in the Skyline project.

Department of Transportation Services (DTS): A partner in the Skyline project.

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