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News release
16 November 2006

Improvements to Johnsonville line on the way

Greater Wellington’s Passenger Transport Committee today agreed to recommendations in the North Wellington Public Transport Study to purchase 12 new trains (Electric Multiple Units or EMUs) and undertake improvements to the tunnels on the Johnsonville railway line.

“There is no doubt that on the basis of this report, 12 new units on the Johnsonville line are justified and alterations to the tunnel are absolutely essential,” says Cr Glen Evans, Chair of the Passenger Transport Committee. “There’s no option for the future – bus or rail – that doesn’t require the tunnels to be improved.”

Cr Evans says that Greater Wellington is now committed to looking at the remaining sections of the Regional Land Transport Strategy that have yet to be tackled.

“The northern transport sector is an important contributor to the region’s network but only one part of the Ngauranga to airport study area. We will need to evaluate the best options that will serve the Ngauranga to airport corridor. This is recognised as a critical corridor for the Wellington region.

“In the meantime, the study is an important step in the process to improve our public transport system and provides us with the technical and public input to justify a better service on the Johnsonville railway line.”

ENDS

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