19th April 2009 -
Press Release from the Campaign For Better Transport

The Campaign For Better Transport is seriously concerned that Environment Waikato(Waikato Regional Council) is dragging its feet in implementation of a Hamilton to Auckland commuter train service, and risks loosing crucial access pathways to Britomart station and loosing the Silver Fern railcars proposed to start the service.

The Draft Regional Land Transport Programme document, which closes for submissions on Monday 20th April at 5pm , makes no mention of implementing the much sort after rail service.

Approximately 70 people attended a last minute meeting organised by the Hamilton City Council on Thursday night, as they are worried that Environment Waikato is not interested in starting the service this year. This despite a report in 2006 showing that the service could break even.

The Campaign For Better Transport believe Environment Waikato is trying to put the train service in jeopardy, as the Silver Fern railcars become available for use in July. KiwiRail has even started to undertake an upgrade of the railcars with new larger panoramic windows. So, these will be attractive and could go on contract anywhere in NZ. Possibly even used by KiwiRail on other passenger services. Once they have gone they have gone and Environment Waikato would then need to go down the much more expensive option importing and rebuilding ex-British Rail carriages, which would take an additional two years.

On top of this, pathways into Britomart station, where the service would deliver Hamilton passengers into Auckland, are becoming harder to obtain with the successful growth in Auckland passenger train services. If Environment Waikato do not act this year then it is clear they are NOT working in the best interests of the Waikato public and business commuters.

Jon Reeves, a spokesperson for the Campaign For Better Transport says "we urge all concerned members of the public to make a submission requesting the train services commence this year and that Environment Waikato obtain a lease on the Silver Fern railcars before they loose the opportunity to do so".

The way the Draft Regional Land Transport Programme reads it is clear the council has no expertise in passenger rail, in fact the 99% of the Draft Regional Land Transport Programme just talks about more roads. Jon Reeves says " It is quite hard to believe this is a Land Transport Programme, it reads more like a road transport programme, with rail all but forgotten. It is clear people want an alternative to the two hour drive to and from Auckland. It is time Environment Waikato delivers what the people want, and it isn't more roads by default" he says.

We recommend the service commences in the currently unused Hamilton Central underground train station, which is located in the Hamilton CBD. This would deliver a CBD to CBD direct rail service and link Hamilton and Auckland, perfect for both the public and business commuters.

Submissions on the Draft Regional Land Transport Programme must be received by 5pm Monday 20th April, and can be made online at http://ew.govt.nz/Policy-and-plans/Draft-Regional-Land-Transport-Programme/

Campaign For Better Transport is a non political organisation with the objectives of ensuring better public transport, cycling and walking in the communities. CBT was a driving force behind the successful Re-Open Onehunga Rail campaign. More information on our website www.BetterTransport.org.nz

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