Train shortage a rail pain
Unexpected repairs to train carriages along with scheduled track maintenance are making for arduous journeys in holiday traffic for Wellington commuters.
The majority of the region’s major train lines are out of commission until January 6, due to the ongoing Hutt Valley Traction Upgrade project scheduled to finish in 2021.
It comes after an issue with bolts on 20 recently overhauled Matarangi train carriages was discovered last week and put more than a dozen carriages out of action.
While frequent maintenance work is essential, many have been publicly questioning Metlink’s decision to put buses on the road during peak holiday traffic.
Wellingtonian Amy Elizabeth reported her 20-minute journey to Paraparaumu Airport taking almost 90 minutes yesterday – fortunately, she made her flight to Auckland.
In response, a Metlink spokesperson said the quiet festive period was ideal, considering the track work required ‘‘a good stretch of time’’ to be completed.
‘‘It’s generally easier to do with less people around Wellington over the holidays.’’
Stuff has repeatedly sought an update on the 17 trains requiring further inspection after an issue with bolts was uncovered last week. Train operator Transdev was again unable to be reached for comment yesterday.
Transdev spokeswoman Emily Liddell said last week that the maintenance was ‘‘purely precautionary’’ and there had been no incidents threatening the safety of staff or passengers.
‘‘These carriages need to be brought into the depot in Wellington for a thorough inspection.
‘‘Safety is paramount to us and we are working to return these carriages to service as quickly as possible,’’ Liddell said.
Adding to yesterday’s transport woes, Metlink’s real-time information system was down for several hours and left those waiting for buses staring at blank or incorrect display boards.
One wrote on Metlink’s Facebook page: ‘‘You say you’re running ‘special timetables’, which is understandable. Yet the Metlink app and your ‘real-time’ boards at the bus stops didn’t get the memo. All the regular times are still showing and who knows when a bus will show up.’’
Another said searching for the right timetable on the website was a catch-22. ‘‘I checked the Metlink website to see when my bus would be arriving, Metlink’s website told me that due to the Christmas period, I needed to check the Metlink website for bus timetables.’’
Metlink spokesman Stephen Heath said buses should have run according to schedule, as there was little traffic on the region’s roads.