Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Council to resubmit case for Capital Connection

Horizons Regional Council has been asked to resubmit a business case to retain the Capital Connection rail service following a meeting with Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Otaki MP Nathan Guy.

Horizons chairman Bruce Gordon and chief executive Michael McCartney met with the ministers at Parliament on December 10 to express concern around the Connection’s future and were pleased with the positive hearing.

“Overall it was a good meeting and I remain optimistic we can find a way to keep this service going,” Mr Gordon said.

“The Capital Connection is an asset to the economic and social fabric of the Horizons Region and will be important in the longer term for connecting our Region with the Wellington metropolitan area economically, socially and financially.”

“Ministers Bridges and Guy agree we need to provide certainty for our community as soon as possible. We will review and resubmit the business case developed in conjunction with Greater Wellington Regional Council early next year, with a view to meet and discuss with Central Government in March.”

The original business case prepared in 2012 proposed a shared funding agreement between Greater Wellington, Horizons and the New Zealand Transport Agency. Under this model, Horizons will provide an annual subsidy to be determined in consultation with the community.

It is hoped a decision on the service’s future will be available early in 2015. In the meantime, the commuter rail service will continue to operate with further details on timetables and fares available from the Kiwi Rail website www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz/other-services/capital-connection

ENDS

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