‘Light at the end of the tunnel’: Regions celebrate new electric trains

Monday, 8 September 2025

An impression of what the new trains for the Tūhono Wellington to Palmerston North service will look like.

Palmerston North and Horowhenua are celebrating the letting of a contract to build new electric trains to provide passenger rail services to and from Wellington.

French train builders Alstom have been awarded a 35-year, contract worth more than $800 million to provide and maintain the first fleet of battery-electric trains in the southern hemisphere.

The 18 units arriving in 2029/30 will provide four return trips a day between Palmerston North and the capital and introduce off-peak and weekend services.

There is currently one Capital Connection service each week day departing Palmerston North at 6.15am and returning around 7.25pm.

The new service called Tūhono - meaning a living thread weaving regions together - will replace it and the Wairarapa passenger rail services.

Horizons Regional Council chairwoman Rachel Keedwell, who is stepping down at October’s elections, said it was satisfying to know the train service was safe.

She said the campaign to retain and improve rail connections to the capital had been going on for more than 15 years.

“To move from fighting for survival to establishing a future-fit passenger transport service for our region is both a relief and a triumph.”

Keedwell was delighted the contract had confirmed the purchase of eco-friendly battery-electric trains.

She said the original concept had included on-board diesel generators to carry the trains on the non-electrified section of the tracks, but battery technology had improved so much a diesel-free answer was practical.

The Government is paying $802 million for the trains, with the Greater Wellington and Horizons regional councils contributing a combined $71m to the capital cost.

Greater Wellington and Horizons regional council chairpersons Daran Ponter and Rachel Keedwell, Alstom managing director for New Zealand Pascal Dupond, Ōtaki MP Tim Costely and Transport Minister Chris Bishop at the announcement of the $800 million purchase of 18 new trains at Wellington Railway Station.

Ongoing costs will be paid through NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi subsidies, with the two councils contributing nearly half of those costs from rates.

Keedwell said fares would be lower than the current $40 standard fare and range of concessions, with weekend fares as low as $17 creating more possibilities for people to travel to major events in Wellington.

“The increased capacity will change people’s travel patterns over time,” she said.

Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith said the announcement was great news for people wanting to travel north.

“The focus is often on getting people into Wellington, but this will really open up the journey for those commuting or just visiting Palmerston North – which makes us very much part of the Wellington Metro network.”

He said Palmerston North had always been a rail town, and had plenty of relevant rail expertise.

“As mayor, I hope this important and large train-set procurement has included local companies”.

Horowhenua mayor Bernie Wanden said awarding the contract was a milestone, and together with the opening of the Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway at the end of 2029, would be transformational for the district and wider region.

The contract has been signed for new battery-electric trains that will provide the Tūhoro service between Wellington and Palmerston North and Wairarapa.

“Now we have the trains confirmed we can see a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Everything is coming together at the same time, which is fantastic.”

Levin railway station has been identified as needing an upgrade as part of the Tūhono project.

Wanden said there would be plenty of discussion between now and the new trains’ arrival about the best form and location of a passenger transport hub in the town that would also serve proposed improved bus services that would be consulted about shortly.

Palmerston North railway station would need new battery charging facilities, extended stabling yards and improved operational facilities.

A model of the new battery-electric trains that will commute between Wellington and Manawatū and Wairarapa from 2029/30.

The Shannon station was also in line for improvements.

Each battery-electric multiple unit would have seating for 220 passengers, with standing room for a further 255, significantly increasing capacity from the current service.

There were also dedicated places for people with wheelchairs, pushchairs or bikes.

The trains would travel at speeds of up to 110kph.

However, Keedwell said travel times would only decrease slightly because of the rail network constraints, with a single track for part of the journey and the need to use passing bays to give way to other trains including freight trains.

Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere said the community had waited a long time for the Government to confirm what Labour had promised - a fast, efficient rail connection between Palmerston North and Wellington.

He said he was particularly pleased a green option had been chosen in the battery-electric units.

“I’ve worked hard as the local MP to see this through, and I’m delighted we have been able to get it over the line.”

Ceda chief executive Jerry Shearman said the economic development agency was really pleased with the announcement, which underscored the significant growth and economic strength of central New Zealand.

“The central and lower North Island contribute over 22% to the national GDP, second only to Auckland's 33%.”

The signing of the contract promised to further enhance a shared workforce and economic growth across the regions, he said, adding it would enhance prospects for greater tourism coming through Wellington to the lower North Island.

“Any development that brings Wellington closer and improves the overall rail infrastructure network is a considerable advantage, benefiting both passenger and freight services by creating efficiencies.”