Why Rail?

Rail is Best for the Local Economy

At a time when Hawaii’s economy is faced with rising costs and an uncertain future, rail transit offers a long-term solution for our economy and transportation needs.
Rail transit will revitalize Oahu’s economy for years to come, providing high-paying, skilled jobs for 15 to 20 years.
Much of the cost of building the transit system will be paid for with federal funds, which will result in a long-term infusion of new money into Hawaii’s economy. And, the money that is spent by our local government will stay right here in Hawai‘i, used to pay salaries that will be spent on goods and services throughout our economy.
New businesses are expected to spring up around the transit stations, creating new jobs and new sources of tax revenue for the state.

In Honolulu, we’re lucky to live in a place with one of the cleanest environments of any major American city. A modern rail transit system, like the one proposed for O‘ahu, will help keep it that way.
O‘ahu’s rail transit system will run on electricity, and won’t pollute the air with carbon emissions the way cars and buses do.
In 15 years, there will be 150,000 more cars on O‘ahu. And who knows how much gas will cost by then? A rail transit system will take thousands of cars off the road and provide commuters with an alternative to high gas prices.
Because it will take thousands of cars off the road, rail transit will help to reduce the city’s carbon footprint, which is a good thing in the effort against global warming.
It will help reduce Hawaii’s dependence on imported foreign oil. Electricity to run the transit system can instead be generated by a host of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar or biofuels.

The population of West O‘ahu will continue to grow. Rail transit offers a critical travel alternative when and where we need it most.
If you have children or grandchildren, they may live in Kapolei or West O‘ahu one day. Rail transit will make their lives more convenient and enjoyable.