Greens launch Manawatū – Hawke’s Bay rail plan

The Green Party today launched a plan to trial a new twice-daily passenger train from Palmerston North to Napier, while the Manawatū Gorge is closed to road traffic, as well as a commitment to increase funding to reduce fares on the Capital Connection service between Palmerston North and Wellington.

“National has let regional rail services rust away but the Greens in government will restore rail as the backbone of New Zealand’s transport system, for freight and for people,” said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw.

“The Capital Connection should be treated like the vital part of transport infrastructure it is, with stable and secure government funding to reduce fares and ensure the service continues for years to come.

“With the Manawatū Gorge out of action for a while, trains can take some of the stress off the Saddle Road and around Ashhurst. Passenger rail should be part of the long-term solution for the route through the Gorge.

“We’re proposing a new service called the Ruahine Runner, twice a day each way, stopping at Palmerston North, Woodville, Dannevirke, Waipukurau, Hastings, and Napier.

“In time, we’d look at extending the new service all the way to Wellington, essentially restoring the Napier-Wellington service.

“There are perfectly good trains sitting idle that Auckland isn’t using and we’d put them to use connecting regional New Zealand.

“The Greens have always been committed to opening up the land transport budget to fund more investment in rail.

“Trains can help people and freight in regional New Zealand travel safely and efficiently, taking trucks and cars off the road, and reducing the pollution that causes climate change,” Mr Shaw said.

Latest Transport Announcements

Story

National put climate action into reverse gear

The National Party’s plan to install EV chargers while at the same time making it harder for people to buy an EV is bizarre and ridiculous.
Read More

Story

Prioritising roads over climate is simply irresponsible

The Government’s decision today to prioritise new roads is the exact opposite of what Aotearoa needs right now and needs a rethink.
Read More

Story

Irresponsible Auckland harbour crossing bad for climate and bad for congestion

Throwing tens of billions of dollars at another six lanes of traffic is not going to solve Auckland’s congestion problem - and is grossly irrespons...
Read More

Story

It’s official! The Green Party the only grown-ups in the room on public transport

People are tired of the three yearly public transport merry-go-round. It literally doesn’t get anyone anywhere.
Read More

Story

National’s transport policy rehash of failed ideas

The National Party's visionless obsession with highways is the exact opposite of the smart investment Aotearoa needs in zero-emissions transport in...
Read More

Story

ACT policy will create roads exclusively for the well-off

ACT’s proposal for private highways will see only those who can afford to pay expensive tolls able to use the roads.
Read More