‘Relief’ as $802 million rail deal signed

Friday, 26 July 2024

An AI generated impression of a hybrid Metlink train.

Commuters on the Wairarapa Line can breathe a sigh of relief after the Government championed last year's Labour-led $802.9 million rail upgrade due in 2029.

Greater Wellington and Horizons regional councils have received co-funding for 18 four-car hybrid-electric trains, and track and station improvements, including a maintenance depot in Masterton.

The changes would reduce the travel time between Masterton and Wellington by 15 minutes and double peak-time passenger services from Wairarapa and Manawatū.

Although welcomed by many, Minister of Transport Simeon Brown has been criticised for reannouncing the same 18 train plan funded by Labour’s 2023 Budget, breaking his 2023 election promise to fund 22 tri-mode trains.

From left to right, back: Horizons chair Rachel Keedwell, Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter and Minister Chris Bishop; front: Minister of Transport Simeon Brown, and Minister of Finance Nicola Willis at the Wellington train station.

“Our Government’s investment in Lower North Island Integrated Mobility comes with a strong focus on achieving value for money, ensuring that the procurement of new trains takes a no-frills approach that delivers real benefits for commuters,” Brown said.

After many years of advocacy, Wairarapa list MP Kieran McAnulty said despite the many things the latest Government had cut, it was a relief they were sticking with the new trains for Wairarapa.

“This is something I fought bloody hard to get and secured the funding in April 2023,” he said.

“It is a massive investment and will be a game changer for our region and is something I’m personally proud of.

“I have to say it’s a bit cheeky of the National Government to reannounce it today as if it’s their own achievement.”

Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) councillor Thomas Nash said big projects like this went through many gates and it was a huge step forward.

“We are really pleased the funding has survived the change of government.”

GWRC chair Daran Ponter and the Horizons chair Rachel Keedwell agreed the new trains would enhance regional development by replacing the expiring fleet of 50-year-old carriages.

“This is what regional deals could look like,” Ponter said.

The Capital Connection service will be replaced by new hybrid trains.

KiwiRail chief planning and asset development officer David Gordon said time was of the essence to deliver the upgrades before the old trains fell off the tracks.

“In the next few years, we will also be building passing loops on the Wairarapa and Manawatū lines to support the new trains,” he said.

The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and KiwiRail have been included in the agreement, based on a detailed business case prepared by GWRC.

Three companies with experience building hybrid trains and supplying the New Zealand rail industry have been shortlisted.

Alstom Rail Transportation New Zealand Limited, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A., and Stadler Bussnang AG have been requested to submit a proposal to design, build, and maintain the trains for 35 years.

This contract was scheduled to be awarded in early 2025.