Normal timetable returns as further heat restrictions lifted

The lifting of further restrictions on the Paraparaumu and Wairarapa lines means Tranz Metro can now return to normal timetable.

Further restrictions were lifted on the Paraparaumu line on Friday and on the Wairarapa line the requirement for trains to stop when heat sensors are activated was also lifted.

“For the last week buses have replaced some mid afternoon trains on the Paraparaumu and Wairarapa lines, these are now no longer required” said Ross Hayward, National Passenger Manager.

Previously, Wairarapa trains had to stop until a track inspection was carried out and the line cleared. They can now operate under the same exemption as trains within the electrified suburban network, which permits trains to travel at 40kph when heat restrictions are in place.

“We are very pleased with progress,” said Mr Hayward. “Since the 21st of January, when the LTSA approved the process under which heat restrictions can be lifted, our engineers have moved quickly to lift sizeable sections of track from Heat 40 restrictions each week. We are now at the point where over 70% of track is no longer under restriction and we can operate our normal timetable, with only minimal delays.”

Remedial work on remaining sections of track under H40 restrictions continues, with work on the entire Tranz Metro Wellington network, including the Wairarapa, expected to be complete by the end of February.

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