Greens welcome rail deal

The Green Party is pleased that the Government has reached an agreement with Toll Holdings to buy back the rail network

"Our goal from the outset was to get back public ownership and control of the rail track," said Green Co-leader Rod Donald.

"The Toll Holdings deal secures that outcome.

"On the face of it, the Government deal with Toll looks even better than the deal with TranzRail because Toll have agreed to invest an extra $100 million in rolling stock and locomotives and will have to maintain higher freight levels (70 per cent rather than 60 per cent) or risk losing exclusive access to the track.

"For the Government's part, while it will still be investing $200 million in the tracks, it will not have to recapitalise TranzRail, nor will it be providing an ongoing track subsidy," said Mr Donald.

"Regardless of the outcome of the offers on the table, New Zealanders can look forward to a better rail system that will get freight off the roads and back on to the track where it belongs and better passenger rail services."

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