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First video from this month shows up to the airport station. I was pleasantly surprised to still see a relative lack of traffic in the video (granted, I don't know what time it was taken).
Second video from June shows progress up the Middle Street section.
Thanks for sharing these videos. It looks like most of the stations have side platforms instead of center platforms, thus making the stations more expensive to build, operate, and maintain. This is due to needing at least two elevators, escalator sets, stairways, etc. to access the two side platforms instead of one of each to access a center platform. Also, I couldn't quite tell, but it looks like the access from the airport station has passengers having to go through the parking garage first and then going from there to the main terminal. Not the most convenient means of access, though it could be worse.
Hours seem funny, especially for weekends, but then again rail is meant to help alleviate traffic. While it's doubtful that it will do so, traffic isn't much of an issue after 7PM most of the time, so from that standpoint it makes some sense. Then there's the point that I'm even more skeptical that many will ride rail based on the initial route it will run prior to full opening some years from now.
I hope I am wrong - but this rail thing just seems like it will be one the largest failures in US mass transit history.
The stations have almost no parking - which makes sense on a tiny island with real estate at a premium and the ability of people who are 1) willing to commute by rail and 2) have access to a bus line that will get to a station in a reasonable time and 3) deal with waiting for a bus to get home from a station - will be extremely limited.
I hope I am wrong - but this rail thing just seems like it will be one the largest failures in US mass transit history.
The stations have almost no parking - which makes sense on a tiny island with real estate at a premium and the ability of people who are 1) willing to commute by rail and 2) have access to a bus line that will get to a station in a reasonable time and 3) deal with waiting for a bus to get home from a station - will be extremely limited.
It likely already ranks as one of the largest failures in US mass transit history. People in west and Central Oahu voted heavily for rail so they will ride it. Not necessarily by choice but because the city will significantly increase the cost of driving. If they don't meet the ridership estimates (which they definitely won't), they will have to "incentivize" commuters by making it expensive to drive. Expect registration fees, gas taxes and parking fees to increase. Since EVs will become more common, they will also charge commuters by the mile. Also expect toll roads to be implemented at some point. The residents in West and Central Oahu will be wishing they never voted so heavily in favor of rail.
And what an ugly abomination it is. I'm so glad that thing isn't going past Kakaako.
If they don't meet the ridership estimates (which they definitely won't), they will have to "incentivize" commuters by making it expensive to drive. Expect registration fees, gas taxes and parking fees to increase. Since EVs will become more common, they will also charge commuters by the mile. Also expect toll roads to be implemented at some point. The residents in West and Central Oahu will be wishing they never voted so heavily in favor of rail.
Perhaps, although they’d be penalizing some of the islands poorest residents
Perhaps, although they’d be penalizing some of the islands poorest residents
Anyone on Oahu that needs to commute long distances will be paying the price of rail. At least some of those with access to rail can save significant money by foregoing car ownership altogether or reducing a two car household to a one car household. It may result in a less convenient lifestyle but they could save a ton especially with today's automobile prices and ownership costs. This is an important consideration for lower income families.
I am just doubtful many will use it and this is why I assume the city will need to figure out ways on how to get people to ride.
Anyone on Oahu that needs to commute long distances will be paying the price of rail. At least some of those with access to rail can save significant money by foregoing car ownership altogether or reducing a two car household to a one car household. It may result in a less convenient lifestyle but they could save a ton especially with today's automobile prices and ownership costs. This is an important consideration for lower income families.
I am just doubtful many will use it and this is why I assume the city will need to figure out ways on how to get people to ride.
I agree with you. The problem is accessibility regardless of cost. Rail will have parking at 4 of the 20 stations - that is it (supposedly - such as if they get all get built such as Pearl Highlands).
Most people aren't walking distance to a rail station.
Phase 1 to the now abandoned Aloha Stadium starts June 30. Phase 2 to Middle Street allegedly in 2025.
I’ve noticed as I’ve driven down the rail line on the West Side not only does the stations practically have no parking I see no active testing of new bus lines and on many stations don’t see staging areas for busses.
Phase 1 to the now abandoned Aloha Stadium starts June 30. Phase 2 to Middle Street allegedly in 2025.
I’ve noticed as I’ve driven down the rail line on the West Side not only does the stations practically have no parking I see no active testing of new bus lines and on many stations don’t see staging areas for busses.
I will say that it's nice to see the prep work along Dillingham. I can believe the Phase 2 opening projections at this point as the bulk of the track work is already laid to Middle Street. Much of the remaining work will seem to be some finishing touches and following by the official test period.
I will say that it's nice to see the prep work along Dillingham. I can believe the Phase 2 opening projections at this point as the bulk of the track work is already laid to Middle Street. Much of the remaining work will seem to be some finishing touches and following by the official test period.
On the new this morning - final completion on the shortened route not expected for at least 8 more years.
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