The Federal government’s $ 802 9 million investment into the Wairarapa and Manawatū railway has actually currently gotten to a major landmark, with Greater Wellington Regional Council today signing a contract for a brand-new fleet of 18 battery electric numerous system (BEMU) trains, Transportation Priest Chris Diocesan claims.
“French international rail transportation systems maker, Alstom, has actually been chosen to deliver 18 cutting edge battery-electric trains, the first to run in New Zealand. The brand-new train fleet will dramatically enhance travel times and guest experience on the Wairarapa and Manawatū lines,” Mr Diocesan states.
“These brand-new trains will replace the aging diesel locomotive-hauled fleet which dates back to the 1970 s and has actually frustrated commuters for several years. They will certainly deliver much faster, much more regular and more reputable services for passengers taking a trip between Wellington, the Wairarapa and the Manawatū.
“This upgrade will certainly allow the increasing of peak solutions on both lines and additional off-peak services. We anticipate as much as 15 -minute travel time financial savings for travelers in between Wellington and Masterton, and boosted speeds on the Wairarapa line.
“These modern battery electric trains will supply genuine advantages for travelers, boost productivity, sustain financial development, and allow Kiwis to get where they require to go promptly and securely.
“Providing trustworthy, efficient, and reliable public transport is a concern for our Federal government. We campaigned on providing the Lower North Island Rail Integrated Flexibility Programme (LNIRIM) to improve service reliability, supply more travel options for commuters, and lower congestion on our roadways– and I delight in to see this progress.”
The Government is moneying around 90 % of the costs for the procurement of the trains and facilities upgrades on both lines, with the rest funded by two local councils, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and Horizons Regional Council (HRC).
Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter says Alstom was chosen through a robust, two-stage international purchase procedure.
“With a concentrate on offering guests with comfortable and easily accessible rail journeys, we welcome Alstom to the LNIRIM program to style and develop trains for New Zealand conditions and to maintain the fleet for 35 years,” Cr Ponter claims.
“Designed for New Zealand conditions, the brand-new trains switch over to batteries on course without overhanging power, making use of modern technology shown in nations like Japan and Germany.”
Horizons chair Rachel Keedwell says the new train fleet will be called ‘Tūhono’, meaning ‘to link or unify’, representing exactly how city centres and local neighborhoods will certainly be better attached.
“Tūhono trains will certainly aid our areas thrive by boosting accessibility to work, education and learning and entertainment for heartland New Zealand,” Cr Keedwell states.
The brand-new trains are scheduled to go into service from 2030