The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is reporting a significant uptick in ridership on the Skyline rail system. According to a recent report from KHON2, the number of passengers increased by almost 30,000 in November. This surge follows the opening of the second segment of the rail line, which extends access to key areas and employment hubs.
This growth in ridership has several implications for Hawaii's business community. Increased accessibility via the rail system can potentially lead to higher foot traffic for businesses located near stations. Entrepreneurs and investors should take note of the evolving transit landscape when assessing new development opportunities, especially in areas newly served by the rail. Moreover, the efficiency gains from rail transit may allow residents to spend less time commuting, and more time engaged in other activities such as recreation and commerce, further fueling the local economy.
Data from the City and County of Honolulu, as reported by Aloha State Daily, indicates that weekday ridership routinely surpassed 10,000 daily following the launch of the second segment. This is almost triple the ridership of the first segment. The Mayor has a goal of 25,000 daily rides by October 16, 2026. The Hawaii News Now also reported on the surge in ridership during the first week of extended service, with the system carrying more than twice as many riders compared to before the second segment opened.
While this increase is encouraging, it is important to acknowledge areas for improvement. A city audit from Honolulu Star-Advertiser noted that ridership fell short of expectations during the first segment's operation, and that the city needed to address issues like station accessibility and integration with other transportation modes. The continued success of Skyline hinges on overcoming the challenges highlighted in the audit and capitalizing on the momentum created by the expansion.
