Hamilton Central Station (underground) CBD

[Jonthekiwi]

I guess at this point the old adage of "Don't argue with an idiot" comes in to play. Until Ka9102 shows us some credible statements with facts and figures we can leave this thread and him in the "idiots column".

[nzdn]

Not happy with the personal nature of the comments in this topic, please desist or it will be locked

[nzqf182]

When did Hamilton Central close? looks like such a waste.

[PBYCatalina]

From memory it was the early 90's that it was boarded up. (Maybe a bit earlier)

[Jonthekiwi]

Was last used in 1995 - ish.

[PBYCatalina]

Of course frieght trains use the rail daily.
Its just the platform and station that havent been used since 1995ish.

[Adam91]

Reopen the Hamilton Central Underground Station!!

[geoff_184]

"Where everyone gets a bargain"

[Jonthekiwi]

To reopen the Hamilton Central Station...we need commuter trains to run! So, who of you are willing to help out this Saturday in Hamilton collecting petition signatures?

[Cogload]

I'll jump on the plane over tomorrow...

[kaiwhara]

Picking you up from Auckland Airport am I sir?? :p

I'll jump on the plane over tomorrow...

[KiwiRob]

Trondheim in Norway has a population of 168,000 compared to Hamilton city of 130,000 (plus waikato district and Waipa distrcit with another 80,000 or so). Trondheim a succesful single track light rail and an extensive bus network. I have other examples of light rail in small cities if you need them.

Trondheim isn't a very good example, the tramway used to have 4 lines, 3 have been closed, the current line has been threatened with closure several times. I've been in Trondheim many times, car is by far and away the easiest way to get around the city.

[PBYCatalina]

If the underground station was to be recommisioned, would the line also need to be electrified?

I guess you could run DMU's through there but Im a bit concered about Diesel fumes discouraging passengers, I know it is only 1 underground station, but hopefully in a future rail transport scenario this would be the main station for Hamilton.

[Nick R]

It never was electrified, so presumably they designed it with diesel fumes in mind.... If it were somehow expanded to two tracks to run lots of suburban diesel trains they might need to beef up the ventilation.

[vworp]

If the underground station was to be recommisioned, would the line also need to be electrified?

Let's electrify south of Papakura and east of Frankton Junction? "Yeah, right."

Someone did mention plans of electrifying the Papakura - Hamilton - Tauranga route, but I can guarantee you that these rumours are exactly that - rumours. It wont happen in our lifetime. If it does, I owe the regulars of this board a beer (at whatever age they happen to be when it happens )

WM

[geoff_184]

Not much has been said publicly, but KiwiRail did investigate the idea, prompted by other parties more than anything, and established what was always known anyway - that the benefits (which are fairly minimal) don't even come close to justifying the cost, which was put at $800 million I believe (which means $1b+ in reality).

[duddley]

It was a cost of around $880 million for annual benefits of around $10 million i believe

[luke.xensen]

Yeah thats right duddley. The report was done by Murray King and Francis Small in April 2008.
I asked for a copy under the OIA Act earlier this year as I had seen it referenced elsewhere.
If anyone else wants a copy I'll send it to them.

[PBYCatalina]

but if there was some form of local hamilton commuter train the benefits would increase.
But Nick R is probably right you could do a lot with better ventilation before needing electric.

[Rail-it]

Yeah thats right duddley. The report was done by Murray King and Francis Small in April 2008.
I asked for a copy under the OIA Act earlier this year as I had seen it referenced elsewhere.
If anyone else wants a copy I'll send it to them.

How much did the report include the ongoing costs of diesel? Do we know how much diesel will be in 10 years time?