Ōtaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the decision by KiwiRail to continue the Capital Connection train service from Palmerston North to Wellington for at least the next two years.
“As the local MP for Ōtaki I’ve been working hard with the different parties involved to save this service. I’m delighted that KiwiRail has made the decision to keep this train running, and to give it the chance to increase patronage.
“The service has been under threat because more passengers are using Tranz Metro services to and from Waikanae. However, the Capital Connection remains an important option for those living further north.
“I realise the importance of this service to the community, and this decision shows that KiwiRail has listened to us.
“My biggest concern if this service was axed was that the already overflowing Waikanae railway station carpark would lead to more traffic parking on the busy SH1.
“The ball is now firmly in the court of local commuters who need to get on the train. If we want the service to continue beyond the next two years it’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’.
“I’m proud of the National Governments investment of $380 million into rail in the Wellington region, with new ‘Matangi’ trains, extended services, double tracking and overhauling the electrified network,” says Mr Guy.
