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Pamela Wade / Supplied
The Northern Explorer has not run since March.
Kiwirail’s suspended Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific services are scheduled to return this spring provided New Zealand falls to alert level 1.
The Northern Explorer is expected to resume its normal weekly schedule on September 30, departing Wellington on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and departing Auckland on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Coastal Pacific will restart on October 13, will run between Christchurch and Picton and will return the same day, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. TranzAlpine will also be back in operation when New Zealand moves to level one, with return trips on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays between Christchurch and Greymouth.
KiwiRail Group Chief Executive Greg Miller said restart dates are dependent on New Zealand being at Alert Level 1.
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STACY SQUIRES / THINGS
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters told a lunchtime business audience in Christchurch that the government has invited KiwiRail to prepare a request for the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) “to get the Northland rail line back to work properly. “.
“This is because the reduction in passenger numbers required to meet social distancing at levels 2, 3, and 4 makes services no longer viable,” Miller said.
Reservations for the three scenic train services will open in mid-September. Passengers affected by Covid-related restrictions will be able to travel on alternative dates or accept a 12-month credit or full refund, regardless of the type of fare purchased.
KiwiRail
The Coastal Pacific will return on October 13 if New Zealand is at Tier 1.
Miller said KiwiRail is looking to add more stops along the main trunk line between Auckland and Wellington.
“We are aware that many cities and regions would like to have a passenger train in their area and our initial engagement with stakeholders has been positive.
“We also know that New Zealanders are increasingly interested in reducing their carbon footprint when they travel, and the train offers that opportunity.”
Miller said the state rail company would work with city councils to expand service so that more New Zealanders can travel the country by train.
KiwiRail has come under fire for suspending rail services at a time when regions are struggling to rebuild their tourism sectors.
The mayors of the North Island recently asked the government to push for the reopening of the Northern Explorer service.
During this year’s budget, the government set aside $ 1.2 billion for New Zealand’s rail network, including money to help replace the Cook Strait ferries.
