Ōtaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the investment into Wellington commuter rail as a big step forward in improving public transport.
“This is great news for everyone who commutes by train from Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Passengers have had to put up with a lot in recent times, but this is an important step towards more reliable and modern services.”
The Government is funding an $88 million renewal of the signalling and traction assets on the network, while Greater Wellington Regional Council will take over and refurbish the 30 year old Ganz Mavag units at a cost of $80 million, supported by an operating subsidy from NZTA.
“I’m very pleased that local and central government are working closely together on this, along with NZTA and KiwiRail. This gives long term security and puts commuter services on a stable footing for the future.
“The Ganz Mavag trains are the workhorses of the network, and will still be important even when the new ‘Matangi’ trains start on the Kāpiti line around the middle of this year.
“This package supports the entire Wellington region rail network, and is vitally important to Kāpiti and Horowhenua.
“The Government has already invested over $380 million into improving train services, including double tracking, overhauling the electrified network, new ‘Matangi’ trains and services extended to Waikanae.
“We also have Transmission Gully and the Kāpiti expressway happening, and Air New Zealand flights beginning later this year.
“Kāpiti is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and finally we’re getting the infrastructure investment we’ve needed for a long time.”
