HART tabs Perkins+Will to design eight stations, unveils mock-up rail car

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has chosen architecture and design firm Perkins+Will to design eight stations for the fourth and final phase of the Honolulu transit-rail project.

Spanning 20 miles, the elevated rail line is expected to transport more than 115,000 riders daily and facilitate transit-oriented design. The HART stations are the latest of several transit projects that Perkins+Will has designed worldwide, including the Riyadh Metro and Bus Rapid Transit systems in Saudi Arabia, the Atlanta Beltline and multiple projects in Canada, company officials said in a press release.

The firm's approach to transit design is focused on enhancing the rider's experience, "with accessible and inviting stations," said Jeff Doble, the firm's director of transportation design.

Meanwhile, Honolulu city officials yesterday unveiled a mock-up of the rail cars that will be used on the elevated line. The model will be on display through the end of April at Kapolei Hale, according to a news report by Hawaiinewsnow.com.