Powerhouse economy in fast-rail plan

Hamish Mcnicol reports on a threestage, $1.45 billion proposal to revitalise existing North Island rail links.

A $1.45 billion rapid rail network could connect the country’s ‘‘Golden Triangle’’ of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga via a two-hour trip, transport lobby group Greater Auckland says.

In doing so, more than half the country’s population would be linked as a single economic entity, bringing economic and social benefits to the upper North Island’s towns and cities.

Greater Auckland released a proposal for higher speed inter-city rail, called Regional Rapid Rail, yesterday.

It proposed a three-stage plan to revitalise the existing regional rail links using modern tilting trains that could travel at up to 160kmh on upgraded tracks.

‘‘This revitalised network will stitch together the economy of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, and extend the benefits of growth and development of the main centres to their nearby towns and villages,’’ it said.

‘‘This will provide fast and reliable travel options to regular commuters, business travellers, shoppers, students, local visitors and international tourists alike.’’

The first stage of Greater Auckland’s proposal was described as an interim and inexpensive way to build patronage and show the network’s viability.

It would cost $10 million and use three existing Silver Fern trains between Otahuhu and Hamilton, for a fare of about $20, or $35 to go on to Tauranga. The next stage would invest $400m in 17 high-speed tilt trains, which could travel 160kmh on the existing tracks, aimed at achieving a ‘‘step-change in ridership’’.

Greater Auckland estimated three lines with regular service between Auckland and Hamilton, Tauranga and Te Kuiti could service about 3.5 million passengers a year.

The final stage of Regional Rapid Rail would improve journey times, service levels and extend the network to other towns and cities in the upper North Island. This would include Rotorua, Cambridge and Te Puke, bringing the total cost up to $1.45b.

‘‘By creating a true multi-line network of integrated, frequent and fast train services, Stage 3 will combine the separate economies, housing markets, and job markets of the upper North Island into a single highly productive powerhouse for the New Zealand economy.’’

The third stage would reduce travel times between Auckland and Hamilton to just over an hour, and to two hours between Auckland and Tauranga.

About 6 million passengers would use the services each year, and its operating profit would be at least $10m a year.

‘‘Regional Rapid Rail is an affordable proposition for infrastructure of national significance, giving complementary benefits to both the movement of people and the efficiency and performance of freight.’’

The Green Party said it would trial a passenger service based on Greater Auckland’s concept if elected.

Greens transport spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter said National had let regional rail services ‘‘rust away’’. But it would fight to restore rail as the transport system’s backbone, she said.

This would start in 2019 and cost $20m over five years. If it was successful, the Green Party would then look at a faster service, which could start in 2025.

‘‘I expect a lot of people from Hamilton and Tauranga will be attracted by the idea of being able to work and rest while on the train, and avoid Auckland traffic once in the city. … We now have a plan to make this happen in our first term in government.’’