Regional rail services are at risk of grinding to a halt if significant underinvestment isn’t addressed, according to a new report from the Greater Wellington Regional Council [GWRC].
The report – released yesterday – highlights “chronic underinvestment and significant backlogs in maintenance renewal programmes” across Greater Wellington’s rail network.
The report was in response to a rapid review commissioned in May looking into KiwiRail, following significant rail disruptions.
GWRC chair Daran Ponter said the Crown’s commitment in 2009 to “lift the rail network to an agreed serviceable standard” has yet to be delivered.
“I have some sympathy for KiwiRail,” Ponter said.
“They are tasked with the impossible. Given lofty goals but not the Central Government funding to seriously tackle what’s on their plate.”
Ponter said there is an immediate funding shortfall of around $1 billion, which threatens to slash services in the next one to three years.
“It is very difficult not to catastrophise the consequences of chronic underinvestment and inaction on the renewals,” Ponter said.
“If some of the funding can’t be found in the next few months, KiwiRail has warned of a growing risk that passenger services may be forced to operate on a reduced timetable.”
While GWRC contributes to the maintenance of the Wellington rail network, Ponter said delivering on the extent of investment identified as being required for rail in the region should not fall on the ratepayers.
Ponter said he had updated the new Minister of Transport, Simeon Brown, on the current situation, in hopes of future collaboration in identifying funding models and investment.
The 30-year Wellington Strategic Rail Plan was ratified by Waka Kotahi this month.
It shows that up to $7.8 billion will need to be put into the capital’s rail network to meet desired outcomes over the next 30 years.
Labour and greens had 3 terms of government 🙄 . Another failure by them great and why are we finding out this now 😕 🤔 not a trust worthy government at all. The new government will need to somehow start fixing it? Just remember who failed KIWIRAIL.