New Waikanae rail station
It was a very proud moment for the community and me last Saturday at the official opening of the new Waikanae rail station.
It was great to see so many people turn out for the celebrations, and taking the chance to look around the new ‘Matangi’ trains which start service on the Kapiti line around the middle of this year.
It was a special honour to drive a memorial spike into the rails to symbolise the opening of the service. My great-grandfather Joseph Nathan was Chair of the Wellington to Manawatu Railway Company when the last spike was hammered into the rails at Otaihanga in 1886.
Just like back then, this new rail service will have a big impact on our region. Electrification and double tracking means better, more reliable services for commuters who have put up with a lot in recent years.
Waikanae commuters now have a reliable and frequent service that will take them all the way to Wellington. This means that the timetables have changed slightly, so remember to check before your next trip at www.metlink.co.nz
Passenger rail demand is starting to grow again with around 2 to 3 percent increase so far this year in the Wellington region and I'm sure these numbers will continue to grow on the Kapiti line.
NZTA is now looking at the impact that the new train service may have on SH1 around Elizabeth Street in Waikanae and will be considering any possible options later this year.
Rail is important not only for getting commuters from A to B, but also for providing a real boost to the regional economy as passengers and goods are moved efficiently.
I’m very glad the Government agreed to continue funding this project when the public finances are very tight. In total the Government has invested around $383 million into improving the rail network around the Wellington region.
I’m proud to be part of a Government which is finally delivering this much-needed investment into our region.