Commuter trains for Helensville

Commuter train services are to be restored to Helensville - the latest step in expanding and strengthening Auckland's rail system.

The ARC has approved $450,000 in capital funding so the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) can begin preparation in the coming year.

The money will be used to develop temporary stations at Huapai and Waimaukau, and for a minor upgrade to Helensville station.

Talks are underway with ONTRACK about improvements to the line before trial commuter services can begin mid 2008.

Helensville passenger trains last ran in 1980.

ARC chairman Michael Lee said rail projects were building true momentum in the region.

"There have been requests for this service for a number of years now, and we feel it is time we delivered. The aim is to get more people onto trains and off congested highways."

The Council wants under-utilised rail assets pressed back into service - in March ONTRACK and ARTA agreed to reopen the Onehunga branch line in 2009.

Double-tracking of the western line and the refurbishment of stations along it continues apace. ONTRACK commissioned a further 7.5 km of track at Queens Birthday weekend, allowing ARTA to improve timetables. The western line will carry four trains an hour in peak times from next week.

Mr Lee said the ARC was pleased to contribute towards rail's renaissance further out west. The initial plan is to run one train in each direction, morning and night, from Monday to Friday, for a year.

Rail patronage for May was 576,000 - the highest level to date. In the year ending June 30, ARTA expects to have carried a record 5.8 million passengers, an increase of 14 per cent compared to last year.

ENDS

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