Waikanae extension one-year old

Media statement

Waikanae extension one-year old

The Waikanae extension on Tranz Metro’s Kapiti train line is one year old today. On 20 February last year, Tranz Metro services were extended from Paraparaumu to Waikanae to cater for the growing Kapiti population. It was the first extension to the electrified network since 1982, and brought regular commuter services to Waikanae for the first time.

“Since the Waikanae extension, there has been a three percent increase in patronage on the Kapiti line. Just under 120,000 passengers have caught the train to and from Waikanae Station since it was opened this time last year, which just goes to show the demand for the service,” says Tranz Metro Manager Scott Brooks.

The extension of the Kapiti line included the double tracking of the single track line between MacKays Crossing as far as the rail underbridge and river bridge south of Waikanae. The project started in December 2008, and was completed at the beginning of 2011.

Peter Glensor, Chair of Greater Wellington’s Economic Wellbeing Committee, says the extension has made regular public transport accessible to a lot more people north of Paraparaumu. “It’s a fantastic amenity for Kapiti residents.”
He said the Kapiti extension was a visible and tangible element of central government and Greater Wellington’s substantial investment in the Wellington’s rail network over the last few years. “This includes major work on the Johnsonville Line, an upgraded power supply and new signalling systems, and of course the new trains. There are still a lot more trains to come and there’s still a lot of work to do on the network but the Kapiti extension, and its success, is an indication of the progress being made.”

“Upgrade work is continuing on the Kapiti line and more Matangi will be introduced throughout the year, in addition to the seven evening peak services and five morning peak services currently delivered by Matangi. As we continue to work towards delivering a more reliable and comfortable service for Kapiti commuters, the one-year anniversary of the Waikanae extension is a pleasing milestone for us,” Mr Brooks says.

ENDS

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