Save Our Trains Campaign says return of key passenger services a major win for travelling public, and the first stop on the journey to rebuild passenger rail throughout New Zealand.
KiwiRail announced today the Northern Explorer (Auckland–Wellington) and Coastal Pacific (Picton–Christchurch) services will return to the tracks in September 2022, will take domestic point-to-point passengers, and will run to their pre-2021 schedules. Save Our Trains spokesperson Dr Paul Callister says the first goal of our #SaveOurTrains campaign has been achieved – maintaining existing inter-city passenger rail services. He thanked the many New Zealanders who had signed the Save Our Trains petition and supported the campaign. Dr Callister says the campaign will be approaching KiwiRail for more information about the accessibility and affordability of the restored services to passengers. “It is important that fares are aimed at a price point affordable to everyday New Zealanders, and this is used as an opportunity to ensure access for those living in the regional communities.” Dr Callister says today is a celebration, but there is a lot to do long term. “The next step is to develop our public transport services. That requires the Government to take a leadership role in planning for an integrated public transport network across New Zealand, taking into account accessibility, climate action, and regional development.” The Save Our Trains campaign was started in late January by concerned members of the public after KiwiRail’s announcement in December 2021 it was removing same day scheduled passenger services throughout New Zealand. Over 8000 people have signed the Save Our Trains petition. The petition to Save Our National Passenger Rail Network reads: We call on the Government and KiwiRail to commit to maintaining existing intercity passenger rail services. Furthermore, we ask for a comprehensive national strategy for future passenger rail services built around concern for climate action and economic development. The petition to Save Our National Passenger Rail Network can be found at: https://our.actionstation.org.nz/p/saveourtrains Media Contacts: Victor Billot victor@allrailways.co.nz 022 479 1786 Patrick Rooney patrick@allrailways.co.nz 022 154 9119
7 Comments
Elizabeth Hessell
15/4/2022 10:12:09 am
I’m delighted to hear the news about the resumption of passenger services in September. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of all NZ ers and I would be grateful if you could continue to keep me informed
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John
15/4/2022 10:43:56 am
Having travelled on both those trains as a tourist and then just watched an American program promoting them as a wonderful experience, I am glad to see that they will be returning. They should be promoted more as tourist trains to bring in more money to support the trains and the local economy.
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Vanessa Ward
15/4/2022 10:58:27 am
Well done! This is great news! Now it's just a matter of ticket price, scheduling, and time required for the journey.
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Prince Devanandan
15/4/2022 08:46:56 pm
Delighted to hear the good news. Having travelled on the Northern Explorer for work and holiday, my wish of leaving this joy to our younger generations. Railway with electrified locomotives are the most environmentally friendly mode of transport. The future is not flying, but trains.
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David
17/4/2022 02:38:58 am
As a Brit planning a trip to NZ and OZ next year I was appalled to discover that the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific were not going to be re-instated. I was just about to forget about NZ altogether when the good news came through - thank you to all those who made the bigwigs see sense. What about a night sleeper as well which would be much greener than flying - and doesn't have to be absurdly expensive.
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Gordon
17/4/2022 10:14:00 am
Excellent news regards Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific service resumes later this year. Both services should be operating right now then later in September as Australia and New Zealand border is now open for Australia tourists
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Philippa Jamieson
18/4/2022 05:59:19 pm
So pleased to hear this! Such a great way to travel - lower greenhouse gas emissions than air travel, and a relaxed time out while seeing the scenery along the way. Much more comfortable than bus or air travel and you can get up and walk around. We need regular and affordable public transport that's environmentally friendly. I've travelled on these trains numerous times in the past decade or so - and before that also the Southerner when it travelled from Christchurch to Invercargill.
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