Port of Tauranga Expansion = More Metro Port Trains = Need For Third Main on the Southern Line

 

I was forwarded the following article below on Port Tauranga’s expansion meaning more freight trains (usually the Metro Ports).

From the Bay of Plenty Times:

Source and article: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11452984

 

It is great that Port of Tauranga will be utilising rail more through its Metro Port services (Southdown to Tauranga). But it also means increased risk of congestion and foul ups on the Southern Line between Pukekohe and Westfield Junction as the freight trains compete with space with our passenger trains.

 

This is why Government needs to both split Kiwi Rail into two (tracks and freight (see: Budget 2015: KiwiRail Should be Split Into Two)) and through NZTA (who would own the tracks) pay the Iron Price and invest into the Third Main on the Southern Line as fast as possible. The Third Main being from Westfield to Pukekohe (just do the whole thing in one go alongside Pukekohe electrification). It has not escaped me either that Port of Tauranga should also “contribute” to the cost of the Third Main as its goods would be using the new piece of infrastructure.

 

Again it is great to see both the increased uptake in freight and passenger rail it really is. But with this increase in uptake the Government needs to give a tad more attention to our rail infrastructure as it does to roads. We are talking integrated transport here for the sake and health of our economy.

 

So come on Minister Bill English lets show some prudent vision with Kiwi Rail and our rail network please.