The wheels of change on track
WSP signed as partner for purchase of hybrid trains
Greater Wellington has signed WSP as our procurement partner for the purchase of new hybrid trains to replace the Capital Connection.
In this year’s Government Budget, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and Horizons Regional Council’s joint bid secured Government funding to purchase 18 fourcar, tri-mode trains, and associated infrastructure, for the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of the Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility (LNIRIM) project.
Our procurement news follows a robust open tender process which attracted nine proposals. Greater Wellington selected its procurement partner using a price-quality evaluation methodology, with WSP proving the front-runner.
As we’re talking about the hundreds of millions of dollars, we have to ensure there are extremely robust and independent processes.
The new trains and infrastructure will quadruple services between Palmerston North and Wellington on the Manawatū and through the Kā piti line, and will double peak services between Masterton and the capital on the Wairarapa line.
This new fleet will revolutionise life for commuters in the Wairarapa, Hutt Valley, Manawatū , Horowhenua and Kā piti regions who need access to Wellington, Porirua and Palmerston North.
The new trains will deliver four peak and two off-peak return services every day, plus a weekend service. This is the game-changer in public transport for the Kā piti Coast community, and especially Ō taki.
This public transport investment, which GWRC is also contributing to financially, will be essential as our district gears up for increased housing and population growth.
Having moved from being a KCDC councillor to representing Kā piti on GWRC to seek support and funding for the train solution, I’m totally stoked this next step in procurement is progressing so well.
WSP, known locally in its former incarnations as Opus and the Ministry of Works, has more than 150 years of infrastructure and engineering advice and delivery under its belt.
WSP has a strong transport presence in New Zealand and has delivered great rail projects across New Zealand, Australia, England and North America. WSP NZ has curated a team of local and global professionals and partners with both New Zealandspecific and specialised multimode rolling stock procurement and delivery experience.