MEDIA RELEASE

30 June 2015

Capital Connection to keep running for three more years

KiwiRail announced today that it will keep the Capital Connection running for the next three years following a funding contribution by Horizons Regional Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Horizons Regional Council chairman Bruce Gordon says Horizons has been unwavering in its support for the essential rail service and is pleased this decision provides certainty for passengers.

“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,” Mr Gordon says.

“For the funding Horizons has committed it is imperative that the service be maintained at its current standard or better. We understand KiwiRail is now able to commence a programme of maintenance and repair and we welcome the outcome of this.”

Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Chris Laidlaw also welcomed the news that the service will continue.

“This is very good news for both the Wellington and Manawatu regions,” Mr Laidlaw says.

“Our modest contribution recognises the benefits for our ratepayers living north of Waikanae who otherwise don’t have direct access to a train service connecting to Wellington.”

KiwiRail Scenic Journeys Manager, Gavin Rutherford, says KiwiRail encourages regular commuters to keep using the Capital Connection, and would also welcome new customers.

“We will be undertaking maintenance and repairs for each of the carriages and these will be withdrawn at staggered intervals over the next 12 months before returning to service.

”In the meantime, we will keep working hard to meet the travel requirements for customers, and making every journey an enjoyable one,” says Mr Rutherford.

ENDS

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