Aucklanders receive a new train for Christmas

20 December 2002

Champagne flowed at Auckland Railway Station today (20 December) when Auckland’s first renovated train was literally unwrapped by Auckland regional councillors and the Minister of Transport, Hon Paul Swain.

The gleaming silver and blue train is the first of 10 destined to get Aucklanders out of their cars and onto trains.

It has been refurbished under a $8.5 million package that will see 10 modernised trains running on the Auckland rail network by the middle of next year.

The refurbishment of the diesel-powered ADL train takes advantage of the latest technology and is quieter than Auckland’s current trains. The carriages, which seat 136 people, are light and bright and offer a more comfortable ride, with increased security benefits. The work was carried out in Wellington’s ALSTOM workshops under contract from Tranz Rail using 95% New Zealand-made materials.

“It was a delight to see this smart, modern train,” Auckland Regional Chair Gwen Bull said. “We couldn’t ask for a better Christmas present for people wanting an easy and attractive transport option.

The ADL fleet is to be refurbished in time for the opening of Britomart in 2003, the first stage of the Auckland rail project which aims to deliver a fleet of modern trains by the end of 2006. The estimated capital cost is expected to be $388 million with $166 million spent on trains and $222 million on developing stations, upgrading tracks and other infrastructure.

ENDS

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