The newly contracted Tūhono trains are set be a significant benefit for the environment, inter-region collaboration, and economic growth.
In an announcement today, the Government confirmed Alstom as the supplier for a new fleet of trains which will improve services, reliability and choice for commuters in the lower North Island from 2030 onwards.
Councillor Chris Kirk-Burnnand, Chair of Greater Wellington Rail Limited Board and representative for Porirua, says the Tūhono announcement comes on the back of a two-stage global procurement process.
“Greater Wellington evaluated tenders in line with the New Zealand Transport Agency’s Price Quality Evaluation methodology. Ultimately Alstom’s proposal provided the best overall value for money for ratepayers and taxpayers,” says Cr Kirk-Bernand.
Councillor Thomas Nash, Chair of Greater Wellington’s Transport Committee, says today’s announcement is a monumental shift for passenger rail in the Lower North Island.
“Securing the services of Alstom, a world-renowned supplier, gets us one step closer to significant improvements for passenger rail. When the Tūhono trains come into service, passengers will see double the amount of peak-time services and more off-peak and weekend options across Wellington, Wairarapa, Horowhenua, and Manawatū,” says Cr Nash.
Councillor Penny Gaylor, Chair of Greater Wellington’s Environment Committee and Kāpiti representative, says the announcement of the Tūhono trains brings economic, environment and infrastructure wins to the Lower North Island.
“Manawatū line stations at Ōtaki, Levin, Shannon, and Palmerston North will be brought up to the Metlink standard with improved lighting, security, and accessibility. KiwiRail are also planning to improve the platforms at Solway, Carterton and Shannon. Passengers in the Lower North Island and the environment will benefit from 18 fantastic state-of-the-art battery-electric trains. The trains use onboard rechargeable batteries to power electric motors which can be charged via overhead lines or at stations, enabling the trains to operate across regional boundaries without costly overhead line upgrades – bringing much needed foot traffic and business to towns right across Wellington to Palmerston North,” says Cr Gaylor.
Councillor Adrienne Staples, Deputy Chair of Greater Wellington and representative for Wairarapa, says securing a modern fleet of trains and increased services will be a game-changer for the Wairarapa.
“Greater Wellington has lobbied for nine years, through three successive governments, to get this project over the line. Meanwhile, the current trains have aged and become increasingly unreliable. The new Tūhono battery trains will replace the current locomotive-hauled carriages, greatly reduce breakdowns and eliminate the poor service that has plagued Wairarapa passengers over recent years. Passengers will experience quieter, smoother rides due to modern propulsion and suspension systems and the Tūhono trains are designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring dedicated areas for passengers with limited mobility,” says Cr Staples.
Mike Butterick, MP for Wairarapa, a long-time champion of the Lower North Island Rail procurement process, says more services, more certainty and more modern trains are exactly what the Wairarapa desperately needs.
“Passengers in the Wairarapa have certainly had a tough time of it of late, with all of the rail investment and upgrade work impacting their journeys. However, this ongoing and necessary work is part of the Government’s $802.9 million investment in upgrading rail services in the Lower North Island and helps pave the way for these trains to run and improve travel times and passenger experience on the Wairarapa Line,” says Mike Butterick.
The Government is funding approximately 92% of the capital costs for the procurement of the trains and infrastructure upgrades on the two lines, with the remainder funded by Greater Wellington and Horizons regional councils.