MEDIA RELEASE

Kapiti Mayor Delighted Capitial Connection to Continue

28 March 2013

Today’s announcement from KiwiRail that the Capital Connection train service will run for another two years at least is “fantastic news”, says Mayor Jenny Rowan.

The Mayor has strongly supported retention of the service and last year hosted a public meeting at Ōtaki Railway station to add weight to calls by Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to keep the service running.

At the time the Mayor said the service not only provided commuters with affordable weekday public transport to and from work, it was also strategically important link for the communities of Kāpiti, Horowhenua and the Manawatu.

She says today’s news will please a lot of people, not least, those who rely daily on the service.

“KiwiRail is to be congratulated for this decision. The service isn’t commercially viable at present so it is a generous and socially responsible gesture.”

Mayor Rowan says the decision gives commuters some certainty and will be welcome news.

“The challenge ahead will be to ensure the service continues beyond the next two years. We must use it or we’ll lose it. It is as simple as that.”

ends

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