New Helensville service shows future for rail

Auckland Green Party MP Keith Locke hails the new Helensville-Auckland passenger service, after travelling on the inaugural train this morning.

“More than 100 people boarded the first train at 6.32 this morning, with further passengers getting on along the way at previously unserviced stations,” Mr Locke, the Party’s Spokesperson on Auckland transport issues, says.

“I am sure the year-long trial of the new service will be a success. With the price of petrol skyrocketing people in Auckland’s north-west are looking for opportunities to leave their cars at home.

“Although there will be only three weekday services initially, I foresee these being added to in the future. A weekend service to bring visitors out to the north-west would be welcomed by local communities. And it would be great to re-establish the Auckland-Whangarei passenger service last run in 1976.

“The Green Party congratulates the Auckland Regional Council and Auckland Regional Transport Authority on the new service to Helensville, and pledge its support for further plans, such as extending the rail underground beyond Britomart, the airport connection, and electrification of the routes.”