Originally Posted by
inlanikai
Now there is a debate ongoing in Honolulu about the beginning of a new rail system which is "steel on steel". Prior to the decision to use this "technology" other alternatives were debated but shot down for various reasons. At least in NYC most of the system is underground. Unfortunately, on O'ahu it will all be above ground and arguably make an adverse dent in that wonderful paradise.
It won't make an adverse dent in paradise. Steel wheel on steel rail is the best way to go noise-wise if you do the maintenance.
Go ride any modern rail system -- no noise. High speed trains that operate at 350 km/h make less noise than the NYC subway.
Ride any new urban, suburban or regional train in Germany and you'll see what I mean. ZERO noise. ZERO. People whisper when they talk to each-other, otherwise it'll seem like they're screaming. The trains also make very little noise if you're standing outside.
A freeway or even a major arterial produces much more noise from cars than any modern properly-designed rail system with proper curves. Go stand in any new rail station in the middle of a freeway (LA is closest to HNL that I can think of) and then compare the noise the train makes to the ambient noise.