On June 30th, Honolulu's new Skyline fixed rail system began operating on Oahu, marking the first subway system in Hawaii. For the first five days of operation, train travel was free of charge, allowing more than 71,000 people to benefit from the fee waiver period. However, starting yesterday, passengers must pay to use the system. As an expert in public transportation, I'm here to provide a comprehensive guide to the Oahu rail system and its connections.
Currently, there are three car parks and two smaller temporary lots with a total of 1275 parking spaces. Parking is free only for public transport passengers. Additionally, city buses can take passengers to any train station. To travel by bus, passengers must have their Holo card.
Along the 15-mile stretch of the Skyline rail system, there are several stops that passengers can take advantage of. Ka Makana Aliʻi, a large open-air mall in Kapolei with shops and restaurants, is located about 3 km away from the rail system. The mall also hosts a farmer's market on Wednesdays and Sundays. Pearlridge Center is located about 800 meters away from the rail system and offers department stores, shops, restaurants and a movie theater; a farmer's market is held on Saturdays.
By 2025, Skyline should expand to include stations in Pearl Harbor and Daniel K. The Honolulu Railroad Authority will officially transfer the first 10.7 miles of the elevated rail line to the city's transportation department on Friday, along with the Waipahu train yard, railcars and other assets to prepare for the long-awaited interim opening of the rail system later this month. When Honolulu's new Skyline rail system starts operating this weekend, more than 20 bus routes will be modified to coincide with the inauguration. This will allow passengers to easily access public transportation connections to the Oahu rail system.
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