People will be able to get on board and take a look around the first of Greater Wellington’s new trains next month.
The train will be available for public viewing at Platform 9, Wellington Railway Station, from 1.15pm 3pm on Thursday 9 September, after a formal launch by Transport Minister, Steven Joyce.
Wayne Hastie, Greater Wellington Regional Council’s General Manager, Public Transport, said the public viewing time was limited because of the train’s rigorous testing programme. “We know that people are really keen to get up close to the train and have a look inside but the commissioning process for the train is very comprehensive and we’re working to a very tight timeframe. The top priority is to ensure that the new trains are fit for service as soon as possible.
“I’m sure that those people who do get to look around the new train next month will be very impressed. They really do represent a new era for train travel in the region. The stainless steel exterior is shiny and sleek and, inside, the train feels very comfortable and modern.”
One car of each two-car unit has a low floor area, which greatly improves access for people in wheelchairs and people with buggies and pushchairs. There is no step up to the door of the low floor area.
The new trains have the same number of seats as the Ganz Mavag trains, but there is substantially more standing room. The doors are manually operated, so those wanting to get on or off will have to press a button. This will help maintain constant air-conditioning temperatures inside the train.
All the new trains will have high quality electronic passenger information display and public address systems.
The first of the Matangi trains is due to go into service in December. They will start running on the Johnsonville line next April and will be running on all three lines in July 2011.
The entire new fleet is expected to be in Wellington by the end of next year. Even when all the new trains are running, the Ganz Mavags will be needed to help meet peak hour demand. A decision on whether the Ganz Mavag fleet will be refurbished or replaced will be made early next year.
