12 April 2001

ASSURANCE STILL NEEDED ON WELLINGTON URBAN PASSENGER RAIL SERVICES

United Future NZ leader and MP for Ohariu-Belmont, Hon Peter Dunne, says there is a need for an unconditional assurance that commuter rail services in Wellington will be secure in the long term. He was commenting on recent media reports, which bring into question the future of Wellington urban rail services.

“At a time when Tranz Rail is selling the Wellington commuter services Wellingtonians deserve to know that the regional rail services which have served them for decades will continue and with a reasonable level of investment.

“Any threat to services could result in the loss of a vital commuter and recreational link for Wellingtonians and visitors to Wellington. Transit NZ by their own admission admits any closure of the Wellington commuter rail system “would considerably disrupt the city’s transport system.” This admission is surely cause for concern and further highlights the absolute need for assurances on the future of our city’s rail services,” says Mr Dunne.

He says the media report in Monday’s Dominion based on Treasury papers from 1992, released under the Official Information Act, confirm possible problems, due to extra commuters and freight on the roads in the Ngauranga Gorge leading into Wellington.

“With evidence mounting that Wellington commuter rail services may be under threat I as MP for Ohariu-Belmont, an electorate which relies significantly on urban rail services, will ensure that everything possible is done to maintain a modern, effective rail service for the people of my electorate and greater Wellington,” concludes Mr Dunne.

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