Rail service out of control in Auckland

An administrative muddle of extraordinary proportions involving the Government and Auckland local authorities demands a full inquiry into public passenger rail operations and planning says the MP for Epsom Richard Worth.

“Two railway lines traverse the Epsom electorate.

"By independent reckoning some $300 million of ratepayer and taxpayer money is in the Auckland rail pot and the Government-owned tracks can't support services that are supposed to be provided on the rail corridor. The situation is scandalous and Auckland citizens deserve some accountability.

"Last night services on the southern line ran more than half an hour late with late departures and arrivals because of restrictions on the speeds at which trains could travel. This is outrageous. The reason was overheated rails. It appears the rail service as publicised can be counted out as dead and buried for the whole of the summer? If so how can all the big spend up on rail be justified? People are literally being driven off rail and into their cars.

"The Government spent $85 million to buy the track. It clearly paid above value, given the now disclosed condition of the track. Infrastructure Auckland is putting up $17 million toward the rail operation. And then there is the new multi-million dollar Britomart facility for trains that can't operate properly?

"The Minister for Auckland clearly can't sort out the mess. She would be better employed giving knitting lessons on the platforms to help prospective rail travellers pass the time while waiting for delayed trains."

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