The contract covers design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the 32km line, which will have 21 stations. It includes $US 574m for the design, construction and delivery of 80 metro cars and train control systems and $US 830m in operations and maintenance over a 14-year period. The first 16 vehicles will be delivered in 2014 and the remainder in 2018. AnsaldoBreda's share of the contract is worth $US 198m.

The core systems contract is the latest milestone for the project, with half of the design and construction contracts now awarded. A groundbreaking ceremony was held earlier this year and utility relocation is now underway in preparation for start of full construction next month. The first section of the line from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium is expected to open in 2015; the second stage from East Kapolei to Kalihi in 2017 and the final section to Ala Moana in 2019.