The NZ Transport Agency says it is pleased that it has been able to give Auckland Council financial confidence to enable Auckland Transport to expand its fleet of new electric trains as part of an extensive overhaul and upgrade of the city’s rail network.

“Improving the efficiency of public transport is one of the NZTA’s five strategic objectives and we fully support the replacement of Auckland’s ageing diesel engines and carriages,” says the NZTA’s Regional Director for Auckland and Northland, Stephen Town. “We believe our funding assistance for Auckland Council and Auckland Transport will help make rail services a lot more efficient and that will have long term benefits for the city and commuters.”

“The NZTA is a key investor in Auckland public transport and our successful negotiations with Council and Auckland Transport give them the confidence that future funding streams will be in place to service and pay loans for their new trains and a depot for them.”

The NZTA has ear-marked funding from the 2012-15 National Land Transport Fund and future programmes to help Council deliver the new trains.

“The NZTA is confident the rail upgrade represents good value for Auckland, and we are delighted that all the funding arrangements being put in place will now allow Council to buy 50% more trains than originally planned,” Mr Town says.

ENDS

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