“Rail deal welcomed by Auckland region”

24 December 24 2001

The Auckland region welcomes the Crown and Tranz Rail’s announcement that they have settled the purchase by the Crown of Auckland’s railway corridors.

“The Government took over negotiations to purchase the corridor from the Auckland region in March and we were delighted then that the Government was willing to assist Auckland in sorting out a major blockage to making improvements to our urban rail network,” said Auckland Regional Council Chairman Philip Warren.

“While we have not yet seen all of the details of the deal, we can now look forward to sorting out the region’s rail access arrangements with the Crown. We’re keen to get on with developing the rail network to realise its potential as a rapid transit network for Aucklanders to ease our transport problems. Rapid transit is badly needed,” said Philip Warren.

“Ensuring that rail services continue throughout the changeover period in the next couple of years is extremely important for Aucklanders. The Regional Council will be working with the Crown and with Tranz Rail who will be continuing to provide the rail service, to make sure that rail services are not disrupted when Tranz Rail’s current contract for service ends in June 2003.

“We will be working hard with the local councils as well, to make sure that the infrastructure as well as the services are improved for Aucklanders without disruptions. We all need to work together to make this happen,” said Philip Warren.

For further information please call:
Philip Warren, ARC Chairman, Phone 366-2111
Or: Jo Brosnahan, ARC Chief Executive, phone 366 2007

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