14/09/2016

KiwiRail expected to announce fate of electric locomotives on September 19

The union representing working people at KiwiRail is urging the state-owned enterprise to reject “dirty diesel” and re-invest in its electric locomotive fleet on the North Island Main Trunk line.

“We’re expecting KiwiRail to announce the fate of its electric locomotives on September 19,” said Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) General Secretary Wayne Butson.

“We’re urging KiwiRail CEO Peter Reidy to listen to train drivers and the thousands of New Zealanders who are getting behind the campaign to re-invest in an electric fleet. KiwiRail shouldn’t be considering a downgrade to dirty diesel at the same time the rest of the world is transitioning to clean energy.”

“Using the existing electric fleet on parts of the North Island Main Trunk line means KiwiRail saves close to eight million litres of diesel each year. That’s good for our environment.”

“Our drivers are clear about two things: we need clean energy and decent work. That means re-investing in electric locomotives on the North Island Main Trunk line. Diesel-powered locomotives are the past, not the future,” said Butson.

ENDS

© Scoop Media