Honolulu rail agency names new executive director/CEO
The HART board interviewed seven finalists after narrowing a global search of more than a hundred applicants to succeed the current interim executive director/CEO.
Andrew Robbins, a seasoned rail transit executive, is scheduled to start at HART on September 5. Photo: HART
Andrew Robbins, a seasoned rail transit executive, is scheduled to start at HART on September 5. Photo: HART
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s Board of Directors today announced Andrew Robbins as HART’S next executive director/CEO.
Board Vice Chair Terrence Lee made the announcement this morning, following a lengthy and exhaustive selection process. The Board interviewed seven finalists after narrowing a global search of more than a hundred applicants to succeed HART’s current interim executive director/CEO. Krishniah Murthy. Murthy will remain with HART for a period to allow for Robbins’ successful transition into his new role leading Honolulu’s Rail Transit Project.
“The Board is very excited about the experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm that Mr. Robbins brings to the Authority.” said HART Board Vice Chair Terrence Lee, “We are confident that his expertise, dedication, and strong belief in the project will serve HART and the people of Honolulu well.”
Robbins is a seasoned rail transit executive with substantial experience in public passenger urban rail, rail equipment, infrastructure, construction management, systems integration and airport transit. Robbins is also a specialist in driverless transit systems similar to the system HART will employ. He also has experience in project management, project engineering, systems engineering, construction and installation, operations and maintenance, and business development.
“I fully realize the challenges that lie ahead for this project and the community concerns that come long with them,” said Robbins, “Having previously been involved with this project, I also believe strongly in its merits. Residents, visitors and future generations will not only benefit from this project but will also view it as an integral part of Honolulu’s transportation infrastructure.”
Robbins is a licensed professional engineer in Hawaii as well as Pennsylvania, and is currently a senior executive with Bombardier Transportation. He returns to the islands after working for a number of years in the San Francisco and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania areas.
Robbins is scheduled to start at HART on September 5.
More Rail
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Breaks Monthly Trolley Ridership Record
Agency officials said July’s ridership indicates MTS’s continued recovery from the pandemic.
Read More →
Report Examines NJ TRANSIT Reliability, Funding Challenges
The Garden State Initiative analysis examines the roles of Amtrak infrastructure, fleet management, and agency operations while recommending a more performance-based approach to improving reliability.
Read More →
Stadler, CapMetro Sign Long-Term Rail Fleet Support Agreement
Beginning in 2027, Stadler will provide on-site technical expertise, spare parts support, training, and obsolescence management to help extend the reliability and longevity of CapMetro’s GTW fleet.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →
Chicago Leaders Unveil Plans for O’Hare Airport Express Train
The privately developed project would offer a 15-minute trip between downtown and O’Hare’s Terminal 2, with trains operating every 15 minutes on a dedicated track. The service would use battery-electric trains and three existing freight rail rights-of-way.
Read More →
OCTA Maps Out 30-Year Strategy to Protect Coastal Rail Corridor
The draft feasibility report identifies strategies to protect the coastal rail line for decades as the agency continues near-term stabilization and sand placement efforts.
Read More →