Currently Browsing: Wellington
Another Breakdown: How Long Can This Go On?
Posted by Jon C in Breakdowns, WellingtonMar 5th, 2010 | 9 Comments
Another poor old broken down train this morning –and the rail equivalent of a towtruck finally arrives just west of Morningside station to attend to the train.
It’s becoming all too familiar.
And in Wellington today once again more problems – signal faults affecting services to Paraparaumu and resulting in bus replacements.
The trains I have been catching lately in both directions have definitely had much lower patronage than last year. Not all but some.
I’m sure of this because I’m amazed to now get a seat on the same scheduled train that last year, I had to fight to get even standing...
Poor Wellington Commuters: Is There No End To it?
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonMar 2nd, 2010 | 1 Comment
Poor Wellington train commuters.
Even a hardened train user like me would be starting to have second thoughts.
Tonight, a tunnel fire south of Paekakariki has interrupted services while firemen tackle the blaze.
For the firemen’s safety, the overhead had power to be turned off, so rail services are being replaced by buses between Plimmerton and Paekakariki until further notice.
Wellington commuters don't smile much
Hutt Valley and Johnsonville also had some delays.
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First New Wellington Trains Arrive August
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonMar 2nd, 2010 | 2 CommentsConfirmation today that the first of Wellington’s new Matangi trains will arrive in August, and passengers will be onboard before Christmas.
The new trains will progressively arrive as they come out of the workshop until towards the end of next year.
Testing of the first units will take place on the Hutt Valley line, and could take a couple of months.
Peter Glensor, Chair of Greater Wellington’s Transport and Access Committee, says the unit will go from the port to Wellington rail yards for thorough testing.
“As well as a complete testing of the train, we’ll need to be sure that everything...
Installation Of Third Wellington Rail Line Continues This Weekend
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonMar 2nd, 2010 | 5 Comments
In Wellington, another busy weekend is ahead on the upgrade for the rail network, with a half time called for a soccer game!
It’s good news for commuters, who suffered more delays yesterday morning.
Buses will replace some trains this weekend but the significant work planned for the rail yards has been scaled back to allow trains to carry passengers to the Wellington Phoenix semi-final game at Westpac Stadium at 4pm on Sunday.
For the rest of the weekend, KiwiRail will continue to work on the installation of a third main line at the entrance to Wellington Railway Station.
Once in use later this...
Tiger Woods, Toyota, Phil Heatley, Telecom, Now KiwiRail Apologies To Wellington
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonFeb 26th, 2010 | 5 Comments
Toyota…Tiger Woods.. Phil Heatley .. Telecom.. . is there no end to the tears and apologies this week?
Now KiwiRail’s Ceo has made an apology to Wellington rail passengers for the way they were treated last week – when some had to get out of their stalled trains and walk for 40 minutes along the tracks to get to the capital’s CBD.
As a make good, travel is free today on TranzMetro and Capital Connection trains, there’s a 5% discount off monthly and quarterly passes and a %5 refund if you already have such a pass. KiwiRail will also front up soon with ways to improve...
Leaky Bus Shelters: Wellington’s 20 Year Plan
Posted by Jon C in General, Wellington, busesFeb 26th, 2010 | 4 Comments
We’re not the only bus commuters fed up with those leaky Adshel shelters.
Back in September, I blogged about how I was drenched while sitting in a shelter downtown waiting for a bus and by the time a bus arrived “I looked like a wet-soaked homeless trying to bludge a ride. “
So it’s good to see Greater Wellington Regional Council looking at the issue, (although only because it’s forced to for financial reasons) . The soaking of passengers is no doubt even worse in the capital’s harsher climate.
The Adshel deal is attractive to councils, because it saves the council thousands ...
Kapiti Calms Down Over Expressway
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonFeb 25th, 2010 | 1 CommentThe Kapiti Coast District Council , which earlier made unhappy noises about the expressway which will pass through its town, appears to have taken a deep breath.
Today’s council meeting to discuss the issue resolved to work constructively with the NZTA but try to get the best design outcome it could.
It still warned it would challenge any part of the process it was unhappy with and wanted clarification on how the process would work.
EARLIER: Showdown over Kapiti expressway
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Call for a New York Look To Wellington
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonFeb 24th, 2010 | 3 Comments
The full redesign of Wellington’s lower Cuba Street is now impossible to implement before the Rugby World Cup, according to Wellington’s mayor who says this is because of a delay in legal issues.
The deal for allowing buses to be rerouted through Manners Mall to improve public transport was that there would be better public space in lower Cuba Street.
Today, Cr Celia Wade-Brown urges council staff to investigate temporary improvements so shared space can be initiated as soon as the bus route moves.
“We made a bargain that the loss of public space in Manners Mall would be compensated for nearby....
Showdown Over Kapiti Expressway
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonFeb 24th, 2010 | 1 Comment
The Kapiti Coast District Council meets tomorrow to decide on whether to continue to fight NZTA’s plans to build a motorway through the Kapiti Coast.
Late last year, the council made a detailed submission proposing NZTA and the government choose other options: safety and flow improvement to State Highway 1, the building of a “two-lane Western Link Road and “continued improvement to the rail system – through passenger and freight rail improvements to Ōtaki and Palmerston North:”
On the district council’s website, Mayor Jenny Rowan says: “Saying I will work constructively...
Compensation For Delayed Commuters?
Posted by Jon C in Breakdowns, WellingtonFeb 18th, 2010 | 5 CommentsThe contentious issue of compensation for stranded or delayed train commuters is about to get interesting.
KiwiRail is now talking about compensation for commuters affected by this week’s Wellington rail meltdowns.
That would be a precedent and even put Auckland’s rail operators in a difficult situation, should passengers in Auckland ever start arguing such a case. (Until now, any requests after breakdowns have been refused outright).
Today’s Dom Post quotes Kiwirail saying that it’s “actually a very difficult question to answer, because if you do compensate then you have to compensate...
Auckland Reader Samples Wellington Trains – His Story, Photos
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonFeb 18th, 2010 | 4 Comments
This from Auckland reader James, who took a train trip in Wellington. Thanks for sharing that James. It sounds like you had an interesting time and to confirm that in a week of delays, not all the news from Wellington trains is bad!.
–
I flew to Wellington and travelled to a friend’s bach at Raumati on the train from there.
First was a trip on the airport “Flyer” bus with leather seats, WiFi, intercom warnings for upcoming stops and a first look for this Aucklander at a snapper reader in action with its warnings to remember to tag off at the end and all.
The flyer goes every...
Wellington Train Breakdowns Continue -Photos
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonFeb 17th, 2010 | No Comments
Wellington’s train woes continue.
Stuff reports that the train services are returning to normal this morning after a power fault which stranded more than 300 people last night sparked cancellations to some early morning trains.
Brent C has shared these pictures of the train he was on yesterday that broke down next to the Interislander ferry terminal near Wellington – and caused last night’s disruptions. Thanks Brent.
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Wellington’s New Train Track Gets Laid – Photos
Posted by Jon C in Capital Connection, WellingtonFeb 16th, 2010 | 7 Comments
Part of the third rail corridor was installed in the last week in the Wellington railway station yards, stopping just north of the locomotive shed.
In addition to laying track for the third main line, work is continuing at the central station to smarten up and improve safety of the platforms.
Progress is also being made on the ongoing upgrade of the overhead line system which powers Wellington’s electric trains.
I thank reader JCPhotographics for sharing these great photos of the work and other aspects, which he comments upon below. Thanks JC for keeping us up-to-date and I ‘m glad you...
Auckland, Wellington Train Commuters Stranded
Posted by Jon C in Breakdowns, WellingtonFeb 15th, 2010 | 3 Comments
A major Western Line meltdown this morning left people stranded on stations and those who managed to eventually get a train, were very late for work and school.
The problem was a signal collapse at New Lynn. Weekend work was being done between Avondale and New Lynn at the weekend but there’s no indication if this contributed to the problem.
And in Wellington, a power failure halted trains this morning leaving commuters stuck on trains for an hour, and eventually let out to walk along the tracks to their destination.(picture here)
There were no announcements to the stranded Wellington commuters-...
Wellington Get Its RWC Waterfront Sorted While We Argue
Posted by Jon C in Rugby World Cup 2011, WellingtonFeb 14th, 2010 | 4 Comments
While Auckland argues about a bunch of rushed Queens Wharf designs – three budget, one $97m – Wellington council has opted for a rugby village approach on its waterfront during the Rugby World Cup 2011. It won’t cost ratepayers millions, it’s all sorted and will open in January.
The village will be centred around an $11m canoe house (Wharewaka) to be completed next January.
The Wharewaka, currently under construction, has been designed to house two ceremonial waka, exhibition and function areas, a café and a limited number of offices.
Wharewaka design |Copyright Architecture+
The...
Commuters, Ratepayers Hit In Wellington’s PT Cost Crisis
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonFeb 9th, 2010 | 8 Comments
Wellington public transport users face a 3% increase in their fares this year and the capital’s council is fretting about how it’s going to deal with mounting public transport costs. at a time too many people have been put off using the present trains.
It’s proposing a 2.2% increase in rates for the next year but a report to the council meeting on the rates issue has revealed a shock over the cost of its contract with Tranz Metro for the suburban train service.
The report revealed that
The latest budget estimates from Tranz Metro show increased costs of $2.4 million. Greater...
Wellington Railway Station Getting Roof Work
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonFeb 9th, 2010 | No Comments
Scaffolding has been erected at Wellington’s central railway station as part of the next stage of the rail upgrade.
Platforms one and two are affected first while the roof is being replaced. But people can still use the platforms.
Lead-based paint was found on the platform surface and roof during the preparation work so remedial work has been carried out and plastic surrounding has been put around the scaffolding just in case.
Wellington's platforms deserve some refurbishment
Work is being done at night to re-finish the edges of all the platforms and new asphalt will be laid later in the...
Cool New Look For Wellington’s Pukerua Bay – Photos
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonFeb 4th, 2010 | 14 Comments
@Anthony wanted to see photos of the new look Pukerua Bay train station and I’m glad he asked.
Because it looks cool.
The original island platform was demolished and completely rebuilt as part of $1million worth of improvements to the station. It was re-opened a few days ago.
And here is how it looks: (Thanks KiwiRail Wellington for taking some photos so we could see):
Pukerua Bay | KiwiRail
BACKGROUNDER: Pukerua Bay re-opens
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Wellington Suburban Station Ready To Re-open
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonFeb 1st, 2010 | 4 Comments
Wellington’s Pukerua Bay Station re-opens to passengers tomorrow following the installation of a new platform.
The original island platform was demolished and completely rebuilt as part of $1million worth of improvements to the station.
There is still tidy up work to do around the site but KiwiRail was keen to get it open for the start of the school term.
Pukerua Bay station was closed on November 30 so construction could take place. The work was necessary to accommodate the fleet of new Matangi trains arriving in the latter half of the year (pictured above, left).
The new platform at Pukerua...
Readers Pics: Waikanae Electrification (& ChCh)
Posted by Jon C in Capital Connection, Christchurch, WellingtonJan 29th, 2010 | 3 Comments
Here’s some readers photos- thanks for sharing them.
From Brent C, the Waikanae electrification development (which may eventually impact on whether the Capital Connection survives).
He took these the other day of the work between Waterfall Rd and Mackays Crossing:
Waikanae | Brent C
Waikanae | Brent C
And in Christchurch, after the announcements of major motorway work down there and discussion about rail, Willu has put up some interesting photos here.
Thanks again.
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Grim Reality Check While Driver Calls Wellington
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonJan 18th, 2010 | 20 CommentsWe might have a flash new Newmarket station and improvements on its way, but nothing, it seems, changes.
The rest of what happens is still not that flash.
Those taking the historic first train from Britomart to Newmarket this morning - including those not used to our train service – got a bitter taste of how bad things can be.
It was delayed by nearly an hour. It was meant to leave at 5.23am. With the signal problems, timetables were thrown into chaos.
I had hoped to take it but gave up wondering what was going on.
Passengers say it left at 5.55am. Then instead of the journey taking seven...
Light Rail At Wellington Airport Mooted
Posted by Jon C in Wellington, light railJan 17th, 2010 | 6 Comments
Wellington’s Infratil-owned airport company today raised the possibility of a light rail service between the airport and Wellington city.
It also is proposing creating a public transport hub adjacent to the airport terminal.
The company’s 2030 blueprint plan, released this weekend, caters for a wide choice of modes of transport to and from the airport including bus, cycle, pedestrian, taxi, private vehicle and shuttle, and has the flexibility to change if the modal mix changes.
CEO, Steve Fitzgerald, said this includes accommodating light rail, adding that it’s “unlikely to be introduced”...
How Auckland’s Rail Electrification Will Look
Posted by Jon C in Wellington, electrificationJan 14th, 2010 | 5 Comments
With the Auckland $1b rail electrification contract signed this afternoon, meaning that the electric masts and wires are on the way - and will start showing up from about August around Auckland, here’s a reminder of how they will look.
This was a KiwiRail imposed image that officials showed local councils to give them an idea.
This is of Papakura station:
Wellington’s electric wires and masts give a flavour of what’s to come – but Wellington is also involved in a massive electric upgrade.
I took these recently at Wellington’s main city station but just before the...
Capital Connection Under Threat?
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonJan 8th, 2010 | 11 Comments
The daily commuter service between Palmerston North and Wellington, TranzScenic’s Capital Connection is under threat.
On board Capital Connection | TranzScenic
The Manawatu Standard newspaper in Palmerston North quotes a letter Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-Galloway, has had saying an increase in Waikanae passengers using more frequent Wellington metro services could affect the Capital Connection service.
20% of the service’s passengers board at Waikanae and Paraparaumu. Waikanae will be joining Wellington’s electric train commuter services as part of the major Wellington upgrade....
Wellington Rail Work Progresses Despite Bad Weather
Posted by Jon C in WellingtonJan 5th, 2010 | No Comments
Good progress on Wellington’s rail upgrade was made, despite some dreadful weather, according to Wellington region’s rail programme director, David Gordon.
The capital’s regular train services resume tomorrow morning.
Wellington's busy railway station back in action tomorrow
Construction had started early on Boxing Day with teams working around the clock on the project to install a third main line for trains coming in and out of the Wellington’s main Railway Station.
Once it is operational in mid-2010, the third line will increase capacity and reduce congestion at a busy point...
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I began this as a diary about catching an Auckland train & to create an online record of rail & motorway development. Now it's called AKT as it covers news & views from rail to motorways, the Auckland harbour crossing debate & cycle trails.
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