8. PAUL QUINN (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Transport
What is the Government doing to improve Wellington’s commuter rail network?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) Link to this
A huge amount. This week the Government has entered into an agreement with the Greater Wellington Regional Council and KiwiRail that will provide a permanent improvement to the commuter rail network in Wellington. As part of that plan the Government has committed to funding a further $88 million of renewal of the Wellington rail network infrastructure. Earlier in the week I was present at the signing of an agreement that included KiwiRail transferring ownership of the Ganz Mavag trains to Greater Wellington, and the council committing to upgrade the Ganz Mavag trains at a cost of around $80 million. As a result of this asset transfer, the regional council is now the owner of much of the region’s above-track rail infrastructure, including the rolling stock and most of the stations. This will give them more independence and flexibility in how to configure services going forward.
This package, coupled with previous investments from the Government and the regional council, including the new Matangi trains, will at last deliver Wellington a modern, reliable commuter rail service into the future. Commuters have put up with the shortcomings of the Wellington rail network for a very long period of time—too long. Although new trains, double tracking to Waikanae, and other initiatives have been a great start, more work has needed to be done to provide a consistent modern service. These improvements will give commuters a real choice about travelling to and from the central business district, leading to less congestion on the roads and greater mobility for those unable to drive.