Rail upgrades

[Daniel]

I think we can all agree that the shelter situation on Wellington station's platforms leaves something to be desired. Not totally useless but far from as good as you'd want it to be.

Agree, but not really priority as the next service is usually at the platform (unless one arrives rediculously early, in which case grabbing a coffee/bite to eat at waiting inside is a better option). Improving the main suburban interchanges is far more important...

Yeah you're right. You rarely have to stand for very long on the cold platform waiting for the train at Wellington station. Usually it's when there's been a glitch.

[scooter]

I've noticed rti boards at paraparaumu and takapu rd. No doubt others I've missed too.

There's one at Ngauranga too

Saw one tonight at Boxhill...

[grunter]

I've noticed rti boards at paraparaumu and takapu rd. No doubt others I've missed too.

There's one at Ngauranga too

Saw one tonight at Boxhill...

Most station on the Hill have them now. Only showing timetable when they are going, not real time yet.

[c46andc47]

Have you got any Pics yet David? I would be intrigued to see how they compare to those being installed up in Auckland.

The one at Wingate looks identical to those being installed at bus stops. It can display three trains.

I wonder if a different style will be installed at stations such as Taita and Waterloo as more information will need to be displayed e.g. express or all-stops.

Most EMUs and most locos now report their GPS positions to the internal Kiwirail system. There will need to be a system to link train numbers to set numbers (drivers enter it at start of run?) and then Kiwirail can provide a real time feed to the GWRC. Has anything been published about the timetable for the real time feed?

[c46andc47]

I assume Naenae will get one when it reopens.

On the subject of Naenae Station, I had a look at the site the other day and I'm a little worried about the rate of development. The station still has no shelter, and it looks like the platform still has no surface. I know that platform strengthening work had to be done and everything had to wait for that, but given the station is scheduled to reopen in less than 19 days, there would be a bit more of a hurry to get it all finished up?

This morning the frame for the verandah was being erected. At the north end is a windowless pre-cast concrete box with a door. It must be the brown structure that can be seen in the drawing in the Tranz Metro web site.

Of concern is that from my observations this morning, and studying the drawing, it seems that the verandah will not protect the subway entrance! I hope that I am wrong. Another well designed Epuni style station?

[Daniel]

While real time information displays are a welcome upgrade I can't help feeling that improving the station facilities should be a priority.

I've got the funny feeling they're going to be targets for vandals.

[eurokiwi78]

Redwood has the RTI boards too. Just shows the next 3 trains and the destination. There doesnt seem to be a pattern to where they get put in, nothing at Tawa, Linden, Kenepuru or Porirua.

[Flippikat]

Redwood has the RTI boards too. Just shows the next 3 trains and the destination. There doesnt seem to be a pattern to where they get put in, nothing at Tawa, Linden, Kenepuru or Porirua.

As far as I can see, no board's been installed at Waterloo - you'd think that would be one of the first stations to get one, given it's role as an interchange.

Do we know if ALL stations are getting RTI boards installed before switch-on?

[c46andc47]

Redwood has the RTI boards too. Just shows the next 3 trains and the destination. There doesnt seem to be a pattern to where they get put in, nothing at Tawa, Linden, Kenepuru or Porirua.

As far as I can see, no board's been installed at Waterloo - you'd think that would be one of the first stations to get one, given it's role as an interchange.

Do we know if ALL stations are getting RTI boards installed before switch-on?

Don't panic Do not read anything into the fact that Wingate got its sign before Waterloo. I suspect that bus style signs are being installed at "minor" stations. Then stations such as Petone, Waterloo, Taita and Upper Hutt will be done. The signs at the major stations my be different as they will need to display more information.

If the Matangis had not been purchased then the Wellington network would eventually have collapsed but the EMU purchase was more of the same. The RTI signs on the other hand are something new and so as I said in an earlier post are probably more significant than new EMUs.


Someone commented that smartphones made RTI signs less important. As someone who does not have a cell phone, let alone a smart phone, I disagree That aside, when arriving at a bus stop or station. surely it will be easier to glance at an RTI sign than to fumble for a phone in a handbag, open the app, select the bus stop etc etc.

[greenwelly]

Someone commented that smartphones made RTI signs less important. As someone who does not have a cell phone, let alone a smart phone, I disagree That aside, when arriving at a bus stop or station. surely it will be easier to glance at an RTI sign than to fumble for a phone in a handbag, open the app, select the bus stop etc etc.

Have the ones used on the for Rail fixed the omission that exists on the standard bus RTI signs ( IMHO) of not actually displaying the current time??

[c46andc47]

Someone commented that smartphones made RTI signs less important. As someone who does not have a cell phone, let alone a smart phone, I disagree That aside, when arriving at a bus stop or station. surely it will be easier to glance at an RTI sign than to fumble for a phone in a handbag, open the app, select the bus stop etc etc.

Have the ones used on the for Rail fixed the omission that exists on the standard bus RTI signs ( IMHO) of not actually displaying the current time??

The sign at Wingate does not display the time.

On the Auckland RTI thread there is some interesting discussion comparing GPS and track circuit based systems. In much of Wellington there will be no choice but to use a GPS system. I can imagine the following scenario at Petone:

RTI sign says that next train to Wellington (train A), stopping at Ngauranga and Kaiwharawhara, will arrive in two minutes.

After four minutes a non-stop train races past. Train A will still arrive in two minutes.

After another four minutes the sign says that a train that does not stop at Ngauranga or Kaiwharawhara is due. That train duly arrives and departs. Train A is still two minutes away.

After two minutes a Wairarapa service to Wellington jumps to the top of the list and arrives and departs.

Two minutes later Train A finally arrives.

Perhaps it is not an issue because regulars will understand what is going on and I am sure that station staff will keep passengers updated.

[greenwelly]

On the Auckland RTI thread there is some interesting discussion comparing GPS and track circuit based systems. In much of Wellington there will be no choice but to use a GPS system. I can imagine the following scenario at Petone:

RTI sign says that next train to Wellington (train A), stopping at Ngauranga and Kaiwharawhara, will arrive in two minutes.

After four minutes a non-stop train races past. Train A will still arrive in two minutes.

But surely at the point where the non stop service becomes closer to Petone than Train A, the display will change to put it as the next arriving service, and train A be the second service due????

[c46andc47]

On the Auckland RTI thread there is some interesting discussion comparing GPS and track circuit based systems. In much of Wellington there will be no choice but to use a GPS system. I can imagine the following scenario at Petone:

RTI sign says that next train to Wellington (train A), stopping at Ngauranga and Kaiwharawhara, will arrive in two minutes.

After four minutes a non-stop train races past. Train A will still arrive in two minutes.

But surely at the point where the non stop service becomes closer to Petone than Train A, the display will change to put it as the next arriving service, and train A be the second service due????

I assume that non-stop (at Petone) services will not appear on the RTI but I do not really know.

My point is that if a train is "due in two minutes" for say six minutes while several other trains jump to the top of the list, what effect will that have on passenger's confidence in the system? Maybe that situation happens with buses? I have not studied the bus RTI signs in detail. The little experience I have had with the bus signs (at the Lambton terminal) is that they are accurate and *extremely* useful. We just need integrated ticketing and Wellington will finally have a usable public transport system

[Daniel]

We just need integrated ticketing and Wellington will finally have a usable public transport system

I would say grossly improving the stations themselves and the shelter they offer is a higher priority.

[eurokiwi78]

So I noticed RTI boards at Waikanae today, although I was unable to ascertain if they were for the Bus Stop or the Trains. It sort of straddled them both and I only glimpsed at speed.

Also noticed RTI boards at Mana. If there is a pattern to there installation Ive yet to figure it out.

[keg]

From GWRC Report 12.328:

4.1.5 Rail Infrastructure

Naenae Station. Work on Naenae is now in the eighth week of a 14 week construction period. Delays have been experienced due to poor weather and rail iron shortages. Good progress is now being made on the platform works and the installation of the new staircase. Rail irons for the new building have now been sourced and successful bending of the irons under test has been completed. It is anticipated this project will be completed on time.

Tawa Station As the existing Tawa station is to be demolished we are currently working with architects on concept plans for the future building / shelter. The first of 3 concepts will be available for discussion with the local community by the end of August. A draft programme has also been developed to incorporate the works required into the 2012 Christmas block of line. It is also intended that essential bridge works will also take place during the proposed block of line.

Park and Ride The park and ride maintenance programme has been put in place for all park and ride facilities. Twenty two additional spaces were created at Wallaceville station with sealing and footpath works to take place this year.

Cycle facilities Since taking responsibility for the administration and maintenance of cycle lockers on train stations the level of service has improved markedly. A number of lockers have now been repaired and reopened for service. There are waiting lists for lockers at Wellington, Porirua, Melling, and Waterloo stations although all the lockers at Plimmerton are available.

Station Cleaning and Minor Maintenance A new three year contract has recently been awarded to Masta Maintenance Services for the cleaning and minor repairs of the stations within the Wellington urban network. New specifications and KPI’s have been introduced to ensure that the stations are cleaned and maintained to an appropriate standard.

Wellington Urban Network Security Works and Services A new three year Security contract is being awarded to Unified Security Solutions which will bring together all security services under one contract these being CCTV installation, security guard patrols, CCTV monitoring and coordination of guard response.

Be interesting to see what they come up with for Tawa. I'm guessing something like Naenae at the best if not something even more basic. Wouldn't be disapointed if I'm wrong though ...

[Brentaki]

Originally coming from tawa, it is disappointing that the station has to be replaced.
I am aware that the local community is seeking feedback on the station. I also agree with you, the station is kely to be cheap and basic.
I wonder if the Wellington city council should be doing a planning review of the tawa area in connection with the station development. Is it worth developing a modern state of the art station that will serve a growing town centre through re zoning of land and higher density development, or do they build a simple station at the site that will replace the existing. Tawa is closer to Wellington by rail thanks to the tawa 1 and 2 tunnels making the trip more direct.

[keg]

From GW:

Naenae Station re-opens Monday 27 August
Posted on 13 August 2012 by

A new-look Naenae Station will re-open on Monday 27 August 2012.

The station has been closed for about three months for substantial remedial work, including a brand new station building, new shelters and new platform lighting.

Peter Glensor, Chair of Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Economic Wellbeing Committee which oversees public transport, says the improvements make a huge difference to the look and feel of the station. “I’m delighted with the new look and am sure Naenae residents will be too. It’s a modern, bright and safer place to spend time at while you wait for your train; I’m confident that more people will use the station and subway now.”


An artist's impression of the new-look Naenae Station

Minor work will continue at the station for a week after it opens. During this week off peak trains will stop a little further away than normal from the main station building. “This will mean that people will have a slightly longer walk to and from their trains but it’s only for a week just to complete the finishing touches.”

The station is re-opening one week later than originally planned because of delays caused by bad weather and a temporary shortage of rail iron.

KiwiRail has also taken the opportunity to undertake extensive remedial works on the station platform including re-profiling the platform to stop water pooling, reinforcing the platform frontage to prevent future erosion and resurfacing the platform.

Tranz Metro manager Scott Brooks says doing the work at the same time is not only cost effective but has ultimately lessened the disruption for station users.

“The end result is a lighter, brighter more accessible and much improved station and I would like to thank the Naenae community and commuters for their patience while this work has been carried out.”

The shuttle buses, which have taken Naenae passengers to and from Waterloo Station while the station is closed, will not run after Friday 24 August.

[Daniel]

Hate to be negative but the Naenae station refurbishment looks like a change for the worse.

I suppose the GWRC has to make money go a long way now they're also refurbishing Takapu road

[Callum]

Hate to be negative but the Naenae station refurbishment looks like a change for the worse.

I suppose the GWRC has to make money go a long way now they're also refurbishing Takapu road

Not to mention they delayed it by a week, not sitting well with me. -_-

I take it the station refurbishment doesn't include upgrade of the subway at all? It's still as filthy and horrible as ever, even the pavement of the subway is covered in graffiti and gum, I even caught someone tagging all over the walls red handed (quite literally) using nothing but a paint can...