Test Run for Hamilton To Auckland Rail Service

11th August 2011: Media Release from the Campaign For Better Transport

Silver Fern Test Run for Hamilton To Auckland Rail Service

Regular rail services using the recently refurbished Silver Fern railcar could be the outcome of a trial run this Friday August 12, believes the Campaign for Better Transport.

For the past several months a number of local councils have been working with KiwiRail and other parties to explore options for a daily passenger train service between Hamilton and Auckland. A working party will evaluate the iconic Silver Fern via a chartered test run, arriving at Auckland's Strand railway station at 10:40am Friday.

Members of the Campaign for Better Transport will be making the train journey to Auckland. “We welcome the opportunity to take the trip,” says Waikato Trains Now! campaign manager Rob George.

"It has been a long time coming and it is good to see some tangible action, even if this trip is only a proof of concept run. We are confident that the merits of the service and public demand will ensure it is the first of many".

This working party is expected to deliver its final recommendation to the various Councils by early September.

Meanwhile, the Campaign for Better Transport will continue to build public support for the service. A major public meeting on Hamilton public transport issues and the rail service will take place on Monday 22 August, 7.30 pm at the Methodist Centre on London Street, Hamilton. MPs and Candidates from all major political parties have been invited to speak at the meeting.

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