Not really a supporter of Honolulu's rail system as it currently is creeping along but there is one argument that probably doesn't stand. I just got back from a week in Manhattan and I rode the F and R lines quite a bit. There are lot's of stops along the way but it still only takes about 30 minutes in the middle of the day to get from West 57th to South Ferry. It's old but still pretty efficient. Trains do not spend much time in the stations. I would guess maybe 20-30 seconds though I didn't time it. Of course the traffic is so horrendous in Manhattan that the subway is necessary.