‘Hybrid’ rail for lower North Island

A fleet of 18 new trains for Wairarapa and Kapiti Coast using a combination of electricity, batteries and fuel (trimode) has been announced by the Government.

The Lower North Island Rail Improvement Project is a partnership between the Crown, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, the Greater Wellington Regional Council – which produced an earlier business case – and the Horizons Regional Council.

It’s understood the cost could run into many millions of dollars, but the Government says the funding level remains confidential for now due to commercial considerations.

The Government is reportedly expected to provide 90% of the funding, with the regional councils contributing the other 10%, the project including line and station upgrades built into the Government’s Budget infrastructure sector with the Budget expected to be announced by finance minister Grant Robertson on May 18.

The 18 four-car trains will use mainly batteries on non-electrified sections of the two lines, with fuel use expected to reduce or even be eliminated as battery technology improves.

The new trains should increase capacity by about 1.5 million trips, provide up to 15 minutes time savings on the Manawatu line, reduce more than half a million tonnes of emissions and build network resilience.

The move will strengthen public transport links for those traveling or working in and out of Wellington from Manawatu or the Wairarapa, says Robertson.

Providing viable and attractive public transport alternatives is a critical to busting congestion throughout the Lower North Island, says transport minister Michael Wood.

“The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and future generations to come.

“Rail is a key component of the system and is well suited for efficiently moving large volumes of commuters over long distances,” says Wood, adding the new trains will replace the 1970s fleet nearing the end of its useful life.

“The new fleet will support the introduction of express services which will attract additional commuters.”

Wood says both lines will have exceeded capacity by 2030.

“In the interim, the Government has invested in refurbishing carriages for the Capital Connection and improvements to the rail lines.

“Associated network improvements will improve corridor capacity and resilience for both passenger and freight services, and stations will be revitalised to meet modern accessibility and amenity standards.”

Wood says the Government has invested $8.6 billion since 2017 to build a resilient and reliable network.