Tranz Scenic Assesses Resumption of South Island Scenic Passenger Trains

25 February 2011

KiwiRail is assessing resumption of scenic passenger trains operating from Christchurch before announcing a date for the restart of services.
The TranzAlpine and TranzCoastal were suspended immediately following the earthquake in Christchurch on 22 February.

The Overlander, which operates in New Zealand's North Island between Wellington and Auckland, is unaffected, and is still operating daily.
"We had originally planned to start South Island tourist focused train services again on the 1st of March, however we have pushed that date back and we will make a further announcement by the 4th of March," says Deborah Hume, KiwiRail's General Manager Rail Passenger.

"It allows us to release train drivers and rail infrastructure support to the important task of keeping supplies to Christchurch moving via KiwiRail Freight," She says.

ENDS