GWRC welcomes significant investment in the region's railways

GWRC welcomes significant investment in the region's railways Greater Wellington Regional Council welcomes today's announcement of government funding to improve the region's rail network infrastructure.

Transport Minister Phil Twyford today announced that New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) would be investing $193 million in funding to improve the infrastructure and capacity on the region's rail-lines.

The funding includes $96 million in track renewals, largely on the Wairarapa Line. A further $97 million will be spent improving the infrastructure and capacity on the Hutt and Kapiti lines, which will allow more trains to be run more frequently, including $42 million to double track the lines between Upper Hutt and Trentham.

"This is a game changer for public transport in the region and a real opportunity for us to bring our rail-lines and the quality of our service up to international standards," says GWRC Chair Chris Laidlaw.

"This is an upgrade that has been desperately needed for some time and Council has been waiting for news on this funding for a number of years. This investment is a real boost for the region."

While the investment will bring improvements to infrastructure on all rail-lines across the region, the Wairarapa would see the biggest benefits from the funding.

"This funding boost is also a key element in expanding the Wairarapa economy. The work being done means more freight will be able to be transported along the line, which will have long-term benefits for the Wairarapa," says Mr Laidlaw.

As well as the $97 million Crown investment on improving the capacity of the rail network, GWRC will spend an additional $3 million on station asset improvements as part of the double tracking work between Trentham and Upper Hutt.

"This investment will enable the Wellington region to have a world-class rail service that keeps our people connected with the places they want to go, says Mr Laidlaw" ENDS