MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday 17 May, 2012

Passenger Transport Committee recommends joint funding for Capital Connection

Horizons Regional Council’s Passenger Transport Committee has recommended the Council pursue a joint funding proposal between Horizons Regional Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to continue the Capital Connection rail service.

In combination with a fare increase for passengers, the funding model would enable the service to continue, but it is heavily reliant on support from all three parties.

This situation has come about due to indications from KiwiRail that they are no longer able to run the service commercially and if the parties cannot reach an agreement, KiwiRail has indicated that the service could cease operation around the middle of this year.

Passenger Transport Committee Chair Vern Chettleburgh described the Capital Connection as an important link for the region’s commuters.

“It would be a real shame to see that service lost due to a lack of local and national funding and we will do all we can to ensure the best outcome for passengers in our region” he said.

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