In June, Hitachi Rail celebrated the Honolulu Skyline’s one year anniversary. Since it’s inauguration, our fully automated metro system has transported over one million passengers!
This unique transport solution for Honolulu covers 11 miles across the island of Oahu, offering public transport to residents and tourists who previously relied on congested roads.
Our project to deliver the metro system has spanned over 10 years, to reach the final stages of passenger operation, with many challenges along the way. Throughout that time, numerous individuals have contributed to its delivery, which has united people from around the world to share their expertise.
To reflect on a year of success in Honolulu, our team in the U.S. have contributed a series of insights into their experience on the project…
First up, Skyler Ross, an Operations Control Centre (OCC) Supervisor at our site in Honolulu. The OCC, equipped with over 1,800 cameras, currently functions as the system's eyes and ears, overseeing the punctual operation of trains and ensuring passenger safety. The team serves as a link between the passenger call boxes at the stations and our first responders.
The OCC has been essential for Skyline's passenger service success. I am proud to announce that we achieved an outstanding 99.20% operational efficiency in our first year. This is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication, who strive for excellence daily.
Skylar Ross Operations Control Center (OCC) Supervisor
He is eagerly anticipating Segment 2, scheduled for 2025. This segment will extend service routes to connect additional communities and key destinations, including the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and the Pearl Harbor Naval Base.
One surprising aspect of the past year has been the numerous international tours we have hosted. We have welcomed everyone from the mayor of a major Japanese city and prime ministers from Europe to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Being the first fully automated train system in the United States has attracted wide interest and demonstrated Hitachi's ability to bring this innovation to the world.
Skylar Ross
Julie Masaki-Jepsen, Customer Service Manager, leads the team that interfaces with our passengers. Julie and her team consistently provide excellent service to our riders, from answering questions about train and bus connectivity to managing lost and found items. Looking back at our 2023 Skyline Grand opening, Julie recalls her most surprising moment:
I was then serving as a Lead Ambassador on 2023 Opening Day at the station, welcoming the people excited to ride Skyline for the first time. While leading the briefing meeting, I was surprised to see my former colleagues from the Honolulu Authority of Rapid Transportation. It was a full-circle moment and a great opportunity to share this experience with the women I used to work with. It was a testament to everyone who has worked on this project.
Julie Masaki-Jepsen Customer Service Manager
Bobby Williams is an Automatic Train Control Commissioning Engineer who has been working on the Hitachi Rail Skyline project for five years. His role involves testing and validating complex systems to ensure they meet strict safety standards before the trains are put into operation.
The greatest achievement will be the launch of the revenue service. The community may not be aware of the extensive work that must occur before we can introduce the trains to the public. Safety is crucial, so much testing is required to prepare the trains for our riders.
Bobby Williams Automatic Train Control Commissioning Engineer
Finally, Tiana Miller, our Train and Station Supervisor for the Skyline. In the past year, Tiana and the front-line station team have become familiar with our regular passengers, their workplaces, and their communities.
The most significant achievement for our team is becoming a part of history. From opening day until now, we feel a great sense of accomplishment. It was satisfying to see younger generations join us, witnessing the excitement on their faces during school tours and educating passengers on how to ride the train. We are thrilled to be part of this new experience in transportation.
Tiana Miller Train and Station Supervisor
As long-time Honolulu residents, many of the team working on the project understand first-hand the unfortunate traffic congestion and long commute times. Skyline is helping to alleviate these issues by removing cars from the road, as Skyline passengers ride on an elevated track above them. Miller shares an amusing passenger observation:
One of the funniest moments is during peak traffic hours on the freeway. The passengers react to seeing the gridlock on the freeway below with a sigh of relief, expressing how glad they are to be riding on Skyline instead of sitting in traffic. They smile and wave to the cars stuck in traffic.
Tiana Miller
This milestone, to deliver the first fully automated metro system in the U.S., symbolises the collaboration between our clients, community, and key stakeholders. We understand that investing in people is vital for meeting society's evolving needs and improving the world.
Enriching people’s lives and strengthening the places where we do business is fundamental to our Hitachi Group Identity.
Inspired by the team in Honolulu?
To find out more about careers at Hitachi Rail, please visit our careers pages.