The initial segment of nine stations from East Kapolei to Halawa of Honolulu’s nearly $10 billion Skyline rail system is slated to open to the public today at 2 p.m. City transportation officials said everyone wishing to ride Skyline for free today should arrive by or before 6 p.m.

A grand opening ceremony kicked off 9:45 a.m. at the Halawa station next to the Aloha Stadium with a maile untying followed by the ceremony from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Gov. Josh Green, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Board Chairperson Colleen Hanabusa, city Department of Transportation Services Director Roger Morton, Federal Transit Administration Region 9 Deputy Director Amy Changchien, HART Executive Director Lori Kahikina, American Public Transportation Association President and CEO Paul Skoutelas and former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell were among those in attendance.

During opening weekend July 1-4, rides are free on Skyline, TheBus and TheHandi-Van with a valid HOLO card. Riders will need to tap their cards on TheBus or at Skyline station fare gates to enter. No charge will be deducted from cards during the opening weekend.

A new card is $2 with a $3 minimum to load the card. A single fare is $3 for adults, $1.50 for youth ages 6-17 and $1.25 for seniors ages 65 and older, individuals with disabilities, U.S. Medicare holders and TheHandi-Van riders. Go to holocard.net for details about where to buy a card.

Skyline’s regular operating hours beginning July 1 will be 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and city holidays.

“DTS is expecting a large turnout of riders this weekend, and ask the public to have patience and ride with aloha,” according to a statement from the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services. “Please practice proper ‘elevator’ etiquette (let riders off first before you board, let keiki and kupuna have seats, etc.).”

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• Click here to view previous rail coverage.