A popular tourist spot with an ambitious plan to revolutionise its train system. (Image: Getty)
biggest public infrastructure project is set to be a fully automated and elevated rail system, which the popular tourist spot hopes will change its travel system.
Oahu will be home to this which has been in plans for over 50 years.
Futuristic and sustainable have been some of the keywords used for this project, which aims to serve over 120,000 residents per day.
The 18.6-mile (30 km) train will depart East Kapole, pass through Honolulu, and arrive at Ala Moana Center near Waikiki Beach.
The channel further looked at this colossal project and why it’s taken decades to conceive.
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The Hawaii Skyline is currently 60% complete. (Image: Getty)
Currently, the project is 60% complete, which is dire compared to how long it’s been in the works, citing different approaches from various political leaders at the time.
The project gained more traction as the ever-increasing overcrowding issue in Honolulu escalated. At one point, it was ranked worst in the US for traffic, requiring a new solution.
Among the possible solutions, ferries, tunnels, and more buses have failed to combat the overcrowding and traffic problems.
Thus, the Hawaii Skyline gained traction again. Today, it is the first electronic, driverless to run in the USA.
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The train cost £8.6 billion ($11 bn) to build and is set to be completed by 2031. (Image: Getty)
The train cost £8.6 billion ($11 bn) to build, which was £3.9 bn more than previously expected, with a single adult Skyline fare costing around £2.35 ($3) a day to ride.
The rail system was proposed to be completed by 2020, but plans have continuously been delayed. The second and third segments are set to open in 2025, and the fourth segment is expected to be completed by 2031.
The public rail system currently operates between Aloha Stadium and Kapolei, taking passengers from end to end and back in less than an hour.
Among issues with the Skyline’s construction included ancient burial sites.
Major environmental challenges also remained at the heart of many of the Skyline’s obstacles, as the region’s numerous dramatic cliffs, coastal roads, and volcanic mountains made it an engineering conundrum, including environmental issues.
The elevated guideway proved to be the solution for the island’s difficult topography, allowing the train to run faster.
As of September 2024, new funding issues have arisen, halting plans for this train line’s full completion.