Ōtaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the one year anniversary of train services from Wellington to Waikanae as a major success for the region.
“It’s great to hear that nearly 120,000 passengers have caught the train to and from the Waikanae station. I always knew this would be a popular service and the figures show this.
“The extended Kāpiti line has been a real boost for Waikanae and the wider region, allowing people to live here and commute to work in Wellington more easily.
“With the launch of the new Matangi trains by the Prime Minister in August last year, and the refurbished Ganz Mavag units, services have greatly improved. Extended services to Waikanae are just one part of a major upgrade across the region by the Wellington Regional Council and the National-led Government.
“With electrification and double-tracking, the Government has made a significant investment into future-proofing the rail network.
“It’s great to see developments beginning on land north of Waikanae, which will be within easy walking distance to the railway station for residents.
“Since the official opening last year I’ve had a historic stake put on display inside the refurbished Waikanae station. My Great Grandfather Joseph Nathan was Chairman of the Wellington Manawatu Railway company which completed the original line in 1886 at nearby Otaihanga, using a similar stake to complete the project.
“Kāpiti has been one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand which means we need better transport links to keep up with this growth. Air New Zealand flights from Paraparaumu were another big step last year and I’m looking forward to good progress on Transmission Gully and the Kāpiti expressway over the next few years,” says Mr Guy.
