US' First Fully Autonomous Urban Railway System, Built by Hitachi Rail, Opens in Honolulu

Hitachi Rail has completed the first phase of Honolulu’s new metro system, ‘Skyline,’ making it the first fully autonomous metro system in the United States, leveraging cutting edge digital and operational technology. The system will eliminate around 40,000 car trips daily, reducing congestion and emissions. The first phase, covering nearly 11 miles and nine stations, is now open to passengers, with additional stations planned for future phases. The fleet consists of 20 four-car trains, each accommodating up to 800 passengers and equipped with Wi-Fi and facilities for bicycles, surfboards, strollers, and wheelchair accessibility.

Hitachi Rail’s role included manufacturing the trains, subsystems design and construction, testing, commissioning, and ongoing operation and maintenance. Hitachi Rail has extensive experience in delivering autonomous metro systems worldwide, making ‘Skyline’ a significant achievement for the company and the city of Honolulu.