Hitachi Rail Honolulu was selected as the winner of the Inspiration of Year Global Award 2023 at a gala held on April 24 at the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas. Hitachi Rail Honolulu’s work on the Skyline project was chosen from over 230 other Hitachi projects around the world.
The award, granted by Hitachi Ltd. Japan, recognizes the Hitachi Rail Honolulu team for their exceptional work to deliver the first driverless rail system in the United States, in collaboration with the City and County of Honolulu.
The recognition comes as Skyline approaches its first anniversary of operations. Segment 1 of passenger service – Kualakaʻi East Kapolei station to Hālawa Aloha Stadium station – was opened on June 1, 2023.
“This award is a monumental achievement for Hitachi Rail Honolulu and the hundreds of employees who have brought the system to fruition,” says Jason Lurz, head of operations and maintenance for Hitachi Rail North America in a press release announcing the award. “This achievement would not have been possible without the project team’s unwavering efforts to continuously adapt to changes and overcome each new challenge while earning the respect of the island community, our clients and our employees.”
In a press release announcing the award, Hitachi Rail Honolulu also acknowledged the teamwork and leadership of Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART).
Hitachi Rail Honolulu employs over 200 people on Oʻahu.
