KiwiRail acknowledges GWRC decision on new Metro contract

17 December 2015

KiwiRail acknowledges GWRC decision on new Wellington Metro contract

KiwiRail acknowledges today’s decision by Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) announcing Transdev as the preferred tenderer for the contract to operate Wellington’s Metro network starting on 1 July 2016.

KiwiRail Chief Executive, Peter Reidy, says that the decision is disappointing for the company. “Our joint venture bid with Keolis Downer had the benefit of delivering positive outcomes by integrating both passenger and network operations and a combination of Kiwi owner local experience and innovative global passenger operations experience.

“KiwiRail has a very proud record in operating passenger services in Wellington. Tranz Metro has consistently delivered high levels of customer satisfaction and on-time performance which has enabled GWRC to grow patronage to around 12 million passenger journeys this year representing growth of 4 per cent and providing stronger economic benefits to Wellington. Tranz Metro is benchmarked as one of the best Metro operations across Australasia.

“Our joint venture certainly submitted our strongest bid and we will be examining GWRC’s decision ahead of the final announcement in the New Year.

“KiwiRail will continue to operate Tranz Metro until the end of June and will work with GWRC to ensure a smooth transition.

“Tranz Metro staff will move to the new operator as specified under the Collective Employment Agreement and the terms of the tender. There will be no immediate changes as to how Tranz Metro is currently operated or to the timetable. Any future changes will be made by the operator once the new contract commences.

“Today’s decision means that KiwiRail continues to maintain and operate the track and signals in Wellington, as it does in the Auckland Metro network, but we will no longer operate Metro passenger services as we do at present.

Mr Reidy says that he is extremely proud of the team at Tranz Metro who have successfully lifted the customer service standards for the travelling public in the Wellington region over the past five years.

“We will now focus on building our successful freight, Interislander, Scenic Journeys, property and infrastructure aspects of our business, and in particular, the growing rail network in Auckland which is supporting passenger growth.”

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