HART Executive Director and CEO Lori Kahikina and Department of Transportation Services Director Roger Morton accepted the award in Chicago on October 6, during APTA's TRANSform Conference and EXPO.

Skyline just earned national recognition. The American Public Transportation Association has given Honolulu's rail system its 2026 Innovation Award for Advanced Rail Technology, honoring Skyline's innovative use of technology to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation.

The recognition is well earned. Skyline is the nation's first fully automated, driverless rail system. It is the first fully automated light metro in the United States, and the first American transit system with automated platform screen gates. An Automated Train Control system serves as the intelligent center of the network, enabling fully automated train operation.

"This national recognition is a proud moment for our City and a testament to the bold vision behind Skyline," said Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

For years, Skyline's critics called the project a boondoggle. This month, the national transit industry called it an innovator. Both things can't be true, and the award tells you which one the professionals believe.

Say Yes2Rail; the nation just did!