| 3 T TKaren Phelps On track for the future in Wellington Central to the vision will be the arrival of 18 new, five-car hybrid battery-electric trains from 2028/29. Kiwirail, Downer Construction: Wellington Metro Substation upgrade Bulk Cartage of all aggregates • Spoils Disposals • Logistics Supporting Downer NZ Projects & KiwiRail. Contact Milton 027 368 5404 gladstonecartage@gmail.com Supplying conduit spacing & ducting solutions to the electrical, communication, water and gas industries. Corys! NZ Sole Distributor of the Spacer Company Duct Spacers For all your needs. commercial fencing Matt Purdy 90 Naples St, Martinborough M. 021 024 43101 E. O ce@taylorfencing.co.nz Taylor Fencing LTD www.taylorfencing.co.nz REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Modernising a rail network while keeping a capital city moving is no small task, yet that is exactly what KiwiRail is delivering through its ambitious Wellington Metro programme. With more than $1.1 billion of government funding invested across the region, the upgrades are reshaping how people and goods move through the lower North Island, positioning rail as a cornerstone of economic growth and a low-carbon transport future. At the heart of it is Wellington Metro, which already supports more than 14 million passenger journeys each year. “A good, reliable train service is the bread and butter of a vibrant and connected region,” says general manager Wellington Metro Andy Lyon. “What we are doing now is building a network that can handle the demands of tomorrow, with faster, more frequent services and modern trains that people will choose to use.” Central to that vision will be the arrival of 18 new, five-car hybrid battery-electric trains from 2028/29. Andy says these will transform services on the Wairarapa and Manawatū lines, doubling Wairarapa services from 10 to 20 per day by 2030, and replacing the long-standing Capital Connection with a more frequent timetable. “These new trains will be a step change,” says Andy. “They are faster, more efficient and better for the environment, and they allow us to run more services, more often.” To support them, a vast programme of infrastructure work is underway. More than $260 million has been invested in upgrading the Wairarapa Line alone, including extensive track renewals and major works in the Remutaka Tunnel. Safety improvements at 26 level crossings are almost complete, with modern barriers and signalling expected to be fully operational by 2027. Work is also advancing on five new substations to power the next generation of trains, and design is underway for the Manawatū Line upgrade between Waikanae and Palmerston North. This includes new passing loops, a stabling yard and charging facilities, and platform improvements. “These projects are not just about trains,” says Andy. “They are about creating capacity, improving safety and making the whole system more resilient.” Across the region, maintenance crews have been tackling long-overdue upgrades, including stabilising slopes, repairing bridges and replacing ageing track and level crossings. Some of these bigger maintenance projects require uninterrupted time on the line, which means disruption to passengers. KiwiRail manages this in collaboration with Greater Wellington Regional Council by planning shutdowns over weekends and holidays when there are fewer people commuting. “We know disruptions can be frustrating,” says Andy. “But doing the work this way is the safest and most efficient approach. Every section we renew improves reliability and reduces the likelihood of unplanned outages in the future.” He says that in addition to catering to commuters, the rail network plays a vital role in supporting Wellington’s wider economy. Freight moved through KiwiRail’s Aotea Quay container terminal connects road and rail links across the country, while the Interislander ferries, which act as an extension of State Highway 1, carry nearly half a million passengers and more than 550,000 tonnes of freight across Cook Strait each year. “Rail is fundamental to regional prosperity,” says Andy. “It connects communities, brings visitors into the city, and supports businesses by moving goods efficiently.” Tourism is also a growing part of the picture, with rail journeys and ferry services delivering domestic and international visitors directly into Wellington’s CBD, supporting hospitality, retail and major events. The Wellington Metro upgrade programme is earmarked for completion by 2029, in time for the new trains and expanded timetables. While maintenance will always be part of running a live network, Andy says the scale of current investment is expected to significantly lift performance and reliability. “We are seeing continual improvements. This is about future-proofing the network so it can support population growth, reduce congestion and play a leading role in New Zealand’s transition to a more resilient, lower-emissions transport system.”
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