Hamilton Central Station (underground) CBD

[Nick R]

Perhaps it could be worth it if there was a 'peak oil crisis' type scenario, where diesel/petrol prices skyrocketed and that resulted in a huge increase in demand for rail freight/travel. (i.e. lots more trains but very expensive to fuel them with diesel).

[Rail-it]

Perhaps it could be worth it if there was a 'peak oil crisis' type scenario, where diesel/petrol prices skyrocketed and that resulted in a huge increase in demand for rail freight/travel. (i.e. lots more trains but very expensive to fuel them with diesel).

But we already have the warning signs. To put in such a system takes many years. Shouldn't we be investigating further, whethr we can sustain higher fuel prices, or can we get around a fuel shortage(probably not).

[duddley]

Even if electrification had already been extended to Pukekohe you would still be looking at a bill of around $800 million to extend eletrification all the way to Tauranga, That amount is more then the total amount allocated to KR to turn their buisness around. The $750 million KR have been allocated in principle would be much better spent on modernising and increasing the wagon and locomotive fleet and improving track conditions and possibly building the Clifford bay interisland terminal IMO

[Nick R]

Perhaps it could be worth it if there was a 'peak oil crisis' type scenario, where diesel/petrol prices skyrocketed and that resulted in a huge increase in demand for rail freight/travel. (i.e. lots more trains but very expensive to fuel them with diesel).

But we already have the warning signs. To put in such a system takes many years. Shouldn't we be investigating further, whethr we can sustain higher fuel prices, or can we get around a fuel shortage(probably not).

A peak oil crisis would take years too.

[richard]

As far as fumes at the station are concerned, I remember catching the Silver Fern to Hamilton when they ran to Rotorua and Tauranga in the 90's. The tunnel isn't very long and the draught blew through from the river end. The fumes were hardly noticeable.
Richard

[geoff_184]

I was waiting on the platform there in 1991 to catch the Geyserland, and through came the freight from Rotorua, with two DC's in full blast up the grade. Couldn't see more than five metres in front of you for a good 30 seconds after the locos went by, the exhaust cloud was so thick. That was before the tunnel was extended.

[PBYCatalina]

an encolsed platform with doors that only opened when the train arrives could be a possible future solution, if and when the passenger service returns to Hamilton Central Underground station.

[joga1234]

does anyone know where the access ramp opens up to? where in the warehouse is it?

[PBYCatalina]

I remember where the old stairs down used to be, unfortunattely the Warehouse is right on top of them now. Im not sure if access has been retained or if you would have to create a new stair well down. the warehouse does have some underground parking so maybe access from there is possible.

But the approximate location of the old stairs were off Angelsea St, mid-block between Ward and Bru-yce street. There was a bit of car parking in fron so I imagine about 15m back from the Angelsea St frontage. Tha is conveniently smack in the middle of the huge 2 story Warehouse store.

[geoff_184]

I had a look through the old Hamilton Central station a couple of years ago, and it's still there, but with the main pedestrian ramp blocked by the Warehouse about half way up. Other parts of the ramp and the station itself, have large building piles coming down through the ceiling and into the ground. Basically the construction above mutilated the station area without regard to whether or not it may be wanted again in future.

However, for a morning service to Auckland, the train shouldn't use Central station anyway, as nobody will be boarding there at that time. Hamilton people live out in the suburbs. The Waikato Connection should commence its run from a Park 'n Ride in Claudelands, then run through to Frankton.

[Rail-it]

I had a look through the old Hamilton Central station a couple of years ago, and it's still there, but with the main pedestrian ramp blocked by the Warehouse about half way up. Other parts of the ramp and the station itself, have large building piles coming down through the ceiling and into the ground. Basically the construction above mutilated the station area without regard to whether or not it may be wanted again in future.

However, for a morning service to Auckland, the train shouldn't use Central station anyway, as nobody will be boarding there at that time. Hamilton people live out in the suburbs. The Waikato Connection should commence its run from a Park 'n Ride in Claudelands, then run through to Frankton.

I have been through there recently. The station leaves something to certainly be desired for.
But your suggestion about not stopping there at all possibly is right geoff for peoples travelling from Hamilton to Auckland. But what about a service running in the other direction, that arrived in Hamilton in the mornings, or leaving Hamilton in the evenings. Wouldn't this be a stop that could prove to be fairly well used?

[geoff_184]

Yes, it would be an important stop for a train servicing commuters going to Hamilton for work. Just pointing out if the initial service is Ham-Auck-Ham only, the central station wouldn't be needed.

[Rail-it]

Yes, it would be an important stop for a train servicing commuters going to Hamilton for work. Just pointing out if the initial service is Ham-Auck-Ham only, the central station wouldn't be needed.

Still, even if it was looked at re-opening it, there would have to be so much work done on it, it would be millions of dollars. Who would want to turn up down there on their own without full security measures?

[PBYCatalina]

Ive got a mate called Steve, he lives in Hamilton and would provide security, wont cost millions to hire him.

[Rail-it]

Ive got a mate called Steve, he lives in Hamilton and would provide security, wont cost millions to hire him.

It's not as simple as that with trains and public transport is it. Yes, common sense would say, lets have a security guard or two. Law's, council regs, etc, would most likely make it like this - excellent lighting, video cameras all angles, facilities for the blind and disabled, emergency communication from the platform, most likely being underground-a fire alarm and extinguishing system, an emergency exit!, as well security guards. I could well imagine, if any trains running between Auckland and Hamilton for the main purpose of focusing on commuters, all this sought of equipment would need to be provided with numbers of people hovering around platforms wating for a train.

[Nick R]

You'd have to put in a lift or a long shallow ramp at the least, that wouldn't be so straightforward.

[geoff_184]

The old station had an elevator, to take parcels trolleys down to the platform. The shaft is still there, but with the Warehouse built on top of it.

[Riggles]

Word is that Centre Place is going to be getting a big upgrade. Maybe as part of that some work could be done to make it the main passenger hub as well. Would be an ideal location.

[PBYCatalina]

I was a young fella when Centre Place opened, felt like a futuristic Mall, was so huge. Now its just a tiny sliver of indoor shops. Time for an upgrade! Would be good if an option for an underground station was included, but I doubt that very much.

Also the future option to widen the tunnel so that it included a double track at some time in the future.

[NZLcyclist]

Just looking on google maps, and I agree that developing Centre place to incorporate an underground station would be a fantastic move. It is directly above it.

There is also room for a Triangle from the NIMT to ECMT to be completed at Frankton.....

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source= ... 11362&z=17