Council confident that heat restriction issue resolved

Tranz Metro Wellington met with the Wellington Regional Council this week to outline the actions it has taken to resolve the heat restriction issue within the Wellington network.

The Regional Council is now confident that Tranz Metro Wellington can fulfill its contractual obligations and run to its published timetable.

Councillor Chris Turver, Chair of the Passenger Transport Committee, says train commuters can breathe a sigh of relief as services return to normal, although there may still be some minor delays.

“Commuters’ patience has been pushed to the limit over the last couple of months by delays caused by heat restrictions. I am pleased that an end to the restrictions is now in sight and passengers can rely on the regular timetable to get them home at night.”

Tranz Rail engineers have lifted approximately 70 percent of heat restrictions from Tranz Metro’s electrified network.

Tranz Metro Wellington can now operate its normal evening timetable when heat restrictions are in place, with only minor delays.

National Passenger Manager Ross Hayward says customers should see a marked improvement in journey time, as trains will now only slow on sections of track under specific heat restriction.

“Since restrictions were lifted on Friday 24 January, we have had two days when heat alarms have been activated. On both occasions we have been able to operate our normal timetable during heat restrictions with minimal delays.”

Commuters may expect minor delays to the departure of some services and additional journey times of up to 15 minutes when heat restrictions are in place.

On the Paraparaumu line, buses will replace trains between Paekakariki and Paraparaumu on two off peak afternoon services.

Buses will also replace afternoon services on the Wairarapa line between Featherston and Masterton. Passengers on the 3:45pm service ex Masterton will be taken by bus to Upper Hutt to connect with existing Tranz Metro services.

Remedial work on remaining sections of track still under Heat 40 restrictions will continue, with the entire Tranz Metro Wellington network expected to return to normal operation by the end of February. This includes the Wairarapa line, which is outside the Wellington electrified area.

Tranz Metro will continue to keep customers informed of progress.

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