The Budget, delivered Thursday 19 May 2022, did not provide funding for a fleet of electric trains for the lower North Island. As Budget absence of new trains surprises and disappoints regional councils says:
The Budget’s failure to contribute funding for a fleet of hybrid electric trains in the lower North Island has surprised and disappointed Greater Wellington and Horizons regional councils.
The trains, which are battery powered on non-electric track, were proposed by the councils in a business case paid for by Waka Kotahi.…
“When enacted, our business case will significantly reduce transport emissions while providing for population growth and the replacement of aged rolling stock.”
Supported by Manawatū-Whanganui’s seven mayors, as well as the eight mayors of the Wellington region, the business case recommends a $762 million dollar investment in a fleet of 22 four-car, tri-mode trains, and associated infrastructure.
This is indeed disappointing, given the erratic and inadequate nature of train services in this region, and the push to get vehicles off the roads.
