There are several reasons that a street-level rail system would not be feasible at this point of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project, including:

• That the rail system is powered via a “third rail”, which is a separate rail that runs alongside the tracks that carries 750 volts of electricity. Having a street-level system would require significant barriers to protect the public from the dangers of the third rail, which is currently achieved with the elevated guideway system.
• Additionally, the trains are expected to have an approximate six minute headway (the time between trains) during peak hours of operation. Meaning, for a street-level system, certain intersections all along the route would need to be closed to traffic and pedestrians at least every six minutes for a train to pass. This would create additional traffic congestion on our streets that is avoided with the elevated guideway.