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Things
Dunedin Railways Ltd went into hibernation earlier this year due to the impact of Covid-19 on tourism.
Dunedin is taking its rail stock out of hibernation, at least for a couple of months, to offer rail services during the summer.
Mayor Aaron Hawkins said Dunedin City Council would fund the limited season of rail services.
The services would use the assets of Dunedin Railways Ltd, which the council put into hibernation earlier this year due to the impact of Covid-19 on tourism.
“We have no illusions about the level of public support for this iconic stretch of rail,” said Hawkins.
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The summer service, called Trains not Planes, will begin with a Santa Express train five days before Christmas, then two services every Sunday: an inland service to Hindon and a coastal service to Waitati.
Things-co-nz
Passenger trains will return to Dunedin Railway Station this summer.
More services can be added, and the promotion is scheduled until March 31. It is expected to cost $ 65,000 per month in addition to the company’s existing hibernation costs.
Those costs would be offset by the council.
A small number of fixed-term seasonal staff would be hired to supplement Dunedin Railways’ existing wintering equipment.
BROOK SABIN / THINGS
One region of New Zealand is home to a castle, pyramids, a cloud forest, and even Melbourne-style restaurants. In Dunedin, you can travel around the world without jet lag.
Hawkins said the summer service did not mean the company was going to relaunch, but that the board was “pleased to help deliver at least one more summer of iconic trips, leveraging the company’s assets.”
“Broader decisions about the future of the company have not yet been made and for now this is a unique opportunity as the board awaits a report setting out options for Dunedin Railways’ long-term future.
On April 6, the Dunedin City Council voted 14-1 in favor of the railroad. The meeting was held behind closed doors.
