The Campaign For Better Transport

The New Zealand Herald reports that KiwiRail is struggling to get the rail network ready in time for the 2010 “Big Day Out”.

The good news is Steven Joyce has stated that the Government will sign off on the Auckland electrification contract this coming Thursday.

Stuff reports the UK “rail giant” Serco is to look at New Zealand’s remaining four long-distance trains:

Minister of Transport Steven Joyce has confirmed the company sent him a letter recently saying it was preparing a paper on the train services. He expected the company’s ideas would be put into the mix of options for KiwiRail next year  when a strategic review of its business was completed.

Interesting – I wonder if Joyce is looking at asking KiwiRail to sell off Tranz Scenic.

The New Zealand Herald reports transport Minister Steven Joyce apparently decided to increase rail fares after a discussion with his barber on Broadway, Newmarket.

Minister of Transport Steven Joyce has just announced $500m for new electric trains for Auckland. The trains are expected to be delivered by 2013. More details as they come to hand.

NZPA reports:

Mainfreight continues to be disappointed at the Government’s attitude and commitment to rail freight services in this country.

The logistics company believes it is among Kiwirail’s top five customers and would double its spend if it got the right rate and services.

“We don’t seem to have a lot of dialogue with (Transport Minister Steven) Mr Joyce on what our thoughts are on rail and would like to have more,” Mainfreight managing director Don Braid said.

An excellent letter to the editor of The Dominion Post today:

OPINION: KiwiRail will find it very difficult to ever make a profit while taxpayers and ratepayers heavily subsidise its competition – the trucking industry.

The New Zealand Herald reports Transport Minister Steven Joyce is “worried” that the Super City mayoral contenders – John Banks and Len Brown – are too ambitious for further investment in rail beyond the $1 billion electrification project:

Transport Minister Steven Joyce is trying to dampen early hopes for airport trains and for a central Auckland rail tunnel as officials continue to grapple with how to pay for electrification.

The New Zealand Herald reports Transport Minister Steven Joyce is vowing to get Auckland’s $1 billion rail electrification project back on track by Christmas, after yesterday announcing ownership plans for new trains.