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HITACHI RAIL News
US’ First Fully Autonomous Urban Railway System, Built by Hitachi Rail, Opens in Honolulu
Hitachi Rail announced the completion and start of passenger service for the first phase of Honolulu’s ‘Skyline’ – the city’s new metro system and the first fully autonomous metro system in the United States.
The state-of-the-art system will eliminate an estimated 40,000 car trips per day from the city’s congested streets and highways – equivalent to adding up to eight new freeway lanes – once fully complete.
The new line has been delivered on behalf of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) and the City's Department of Transportation Services (DTS); it marks the first new major metro system to launch in the US since 1993.
The first phase of Hawai’i’s largest infrastructure project is open to passengers from today, with the elevated rail line covering nearly 11 miles between the nine stations from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium. Passenger services to additional stations further along the rail line, such as the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport will commence in two additional phases over the coming years.
The full line is due to connect 19 stations along a 19 mile corridor on the south shore of O‘ahu. The system is all electrically powered and will move people on to sustainable transport and away from pollution via private cars, reducing emissions and congestion for residents and tourists. The densely packed O‘ahu east-west transportation corridor currently suffers from notoriously bad congestion and significant traffic delays. The new high capacity transit system is also set to unlock important economic benefits for the Hawaiian economy.
Hitachi Rail’s role in the joint venture includes:
The new line has been delivered on behalf of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) and the City's Department of Transportation Services (DTS); it marks the first new major metro system to launch in the US since 1993.
The first phase of Hawai’i’s largest infrastructure project is open to passengers from today, with the elevated rail line covering nearly 11 miles between the nine stations from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium. Passenger services to additional stations further along the rail line, such as the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport will commence in two additional phases over the coming years.
The full line is due to connect 19 stations along a 19 mile corridor on the south shore of O‘ahu. The system is all electrically powered and will move people on to sustainable transport and away from pollution via private cars, reducing emissions and congestion for residents and tourists. The densely packed O‘ahu east-west transportation corridor currently suffers from notoriously bad congestion and significant traffic delays. The new high capacity transit system is also set to unlock important economic benefits for the Hawaiian economy.
Hitachi Rail’s role in the joint venture includes:
- Manufacturing passenger vehicles (train cars) for the system
- Design and construction of the subsystems (fire detection, alarm system, passenger screen gate system, etc.)
- Testing and commissioning the entire system to be safety certified for passenger service
- Operating and maintaining the system during passenger revenue service
Now completed, the overall fleet is comprised of 20 four-car trains, each equipped with capacity to hold up to 800 passengers. Total train length is 260ft, with generous open gangways between cars to allow passengers to move freely using all available space. Trains are also air conditioned, featuring Wi-Fi for all passengers, as well as ample space for bicycles, surf boards, baby strollers, luggage, and more. Trains are also fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with dedicated spaces for wheelchairs allowing free autonomous movement for disabled passengers embarking on and off the trains.
Hitachi boasts a proven track record as a world leader in implementing pioneering autonomous metro systems worldwide – including delivering systems in Copenhagen, Milan, Rome, Riyadh and Taipei. The Automatic Train Control (ATC) system employs cutting-edge technology to guarantee the safety of passengers, vehicles, and the entire system. All train movements and track switches are managed from a single control room that is staffed 24/7, meaning the systems will offer passengers safe and efficient travel all year round.
www.hitachirail.com
Hitachi boasts a proven track record as a world leader in implementing pioneering autonomous metro systems worldwide – including delivering systems in Copenhagen, Milan, Rome, Riyadh and Taipei. The Automatic Train Control (ATC) system employs cutting-edge technology to guarantee the safety of passengers, vehicles, and the entire system. All train movements and track switches are managed from a single control room that is staffed 24/7, meaning the systems will offer passengers safe and efficient travel all year round.
www.hitachirail.com
