HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu’s new rail system, Skyline, has not met expectations, according to a recent audit by the city auditor.

The audit examined the system from its launch in July 2023 to December 2023 and revealed a 77% decline in ridership.

They said contributing factors include the limited service area, inadequate operating hours, and a lack of integration with other transportation options.

The audit also found that commute times on the rail are slower than driving and similar to bus travel during morning peak hours.

For instance, a trip from the University of Hawaii-West Oahu to the University of Hawaii-Manoa, involving both the rail and bus, took 87 minutes, while the bus alone took 69 minutes and driving took 68 minutes.

Safety concerns around rail stations were also highlighted in the report.

The audit offered 10 recommendations to the city for improving the rail system.

The city stated it is currently reviewing these recommendations and considering ways to address them.