The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) began the trial running testing phase for the first operating segment of Honolulu’s rail system on Aug. 29, 2022. This is the final series of testing before the system is ready for operation and teams will be looking at all aspects of the trains, stations, systems and operating personnel, including the simulation of many normal and emergency operating scenarios.
During testing, multiple trains will be operational and moving along the tracks from Kualaka‘i (East Kapolei) Station to Hālawa (Aloha Stadium) Station. Testing will occur up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no set schedule of trains running as it will vary depending on the type of testing taking place. The testing will continue until the system achieves operational readiness status, prior to the transfer of the system to city’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) for the initial launch of service.
“This is a major milestone for the rail project, although the larger milestone will be when trial running is complete. Many tests will be performed and we expect some problems to be encountered, which is normal for a new system and is the reason the testing is being performed,” said HART Executive Director and CEO Lori Kahikina. “We do not have a deadline for the completion of trial running, but we are hopeful of turning the first operating segment over to DTS by early next year.”
HART urges the public to follow safety precautions and, when driving near the rail guideway, look ahead not overhead. Do not watch the trains or photograph the trains while driving, keep attention on the road.
The stations may look finished, but are still active construction sites throughout the testing phase. For safety purposes, please avoid the stations. The rail system is powered by a “third rail” that runs alongside the rail tracks and carries over 750 volts of electricity, which is deadly. During this testing phase, the third rail will be live and energized 24 hours a day, seven day a week. The public should avoid the rail tracks at all times.
