Train from The Base to Auckland gets nearer under funding plan

Tuesday, 4 September 2018

The first physical work for a commuter rail service between Hamilton and Auckland could be just around the corner.

A rail platform at Rotokauri could be functioning by October 2019.

A concept design of the proposed railway station at Rotokauri.

This comes after last week's announcement by Transport Minister Phil Twyford, which proposed funding of $750,000 for transitional rail in the Waikato.

A Waikato regional business case for the commuter service will go before the New Zealand Transport Agency for funding approval next month.

*Labour MP Jamie Strange confident Hamilton-Auckland commuter train cash coming

*Labour to spend $20m on commuter rail between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga

*Labour promises rail within 18 months for Hamilton commuters

*City councillors support Hamilton to Auckland train - mostly

*Cheap fee for proposed Hamilton-Auckland rail link network**

That will give the go ahead for not only the service but also the construction of a rail platform at Rotokauri.

Hamilton City Council's general manager of development, Chris Allen said that the 160m platform wouldn't be a very complicated due to it being a startup service.

It would be situated between the north and south railway lines.

'The target is to have a train service ready by October 2019. In that timeframe we would be looking to complete the design, develop, and build it.'

The council purchased a 2.1-hectare site for $6.4 million on Tasman Rd for the purpose of a park and ride facility in 2017.

'It would form part of the proposed public transport hub which would be suitable for rail and bus transfers,' Allen said.

The only functioning railway station currently in Hamilton is Frankton.

'We've got a proposal to stop at Rotokauri, Taupiri, Huntly and up through Papakura and into the Auckland network.'

The development of the public transport site is estimated to cost about $3.5 million.

The Hamilton-Auckland rail service proposal was first considered and rejected in 2011.

Now, the decision is left with NZTA which chooses where to dedicate the cash.

Labour MP Jamie Strange has been a strong advocate for the passenger rail service and believes seeing the funding proposal is a good sign.

'A high-quality rail service will unlock commercial, residential, and tourism growth in the Hamilton to Auckland corridor.

'I expect to see half a million people move into this geographical area over the next 30 years.

'The NZTA's National Land Transport Programme, which are projects they will fund over the next three years included the passenger rail from Hamilton to Auckland, which is really great news for the region,' Strange said.

The business case will be put to the NZTA on October 5 for funding approval.