22 December 2006
Audit analyses train capacity
Greater Wellington and Tranz Metro have just completed an audit on peak train usage that will help to determine the next
steps for alleviating overcrowding on Wellington’s commuter trains.
The audit, carried out in late November, consisted of a station by station, carriage by carriage passenger count on all
lines throughout the morning peak period.
Passenger Transport Committee Chair Glen Evans says the audit will allow Greater Wellington and Tranz Metro to find out
how and when each carriage on each train reaches capacity.
“We are currently analysing the raw data. Once this is done, we’ll determine typical passenger loading patterns on each
line and develop operational solutions to address overcrowding where the problem is recurring.”
Councillor Evans says Greater Wellington is making good progress with current investigations to find solutions to
overcrowded trains:
Toll Holdings’ Professional Services Group is investigating solutions to overcrowding including assessing the cost and
likely timescale of re-commissioning out-of-service 3-car English Electric Units. The results will be compared to the
costs and benefits of reconfiguring seats on the Ganz Mavag trains.
- Work is almost complete on assessing the cost of re-commissioning either diesel or electric locomotives and the
sourcing and refurbishing costs of second hand carriages from the UK and Australia.
Options to address overcrowding on trains will be considered in early 2007. Greater Wellington’s Passenger Transport
Committee expects to make a decision on a preferred solution at its February 2007 meeting. Planning and design for the
implementation of the preferred solution will begin in the first quarter of 2007, subject to funding.
ENDS