10 February 2016
Shed 39, 2 Fryatt Quay
Pipitea, Wel ington 6011
PO Box 11646
File Ref: OIAP-7-947
Manners Street
Wel ington 6142
Iain Palmer
T 04 384 5708
[FYI request #3524 email]
F 04 385 6960
www.gw.govt.nz
Dear Mr Palmer
Request for information 2016-002
I refer to your request for information received by Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC)
on 4 January 2016. You have requested the following information:
“
A) What improvements are been elevated to improve performance and frequen[c]y [on the
Wairarapa line]?
B) What improvements are been elevated to improve frequen[c]y of services during the weekend
[on the Wairarapa Line]?”
GWRC’s response is as follows:
A) Undertakings to improve performance and frequency of services on Wairarapa Line
There have been a number of initiatives introduced on the Wairarapa Line over the last six months
to help improve performance. In July 2015 new locomotives with more power and better reliability
were introduced; these have significantly improved performance. Also, an extra $2.29 million has
been budgeted for the Wairarapa Line over the period from July 2015 to June 2016. A number of
operational changes have also been made which increased, on average, performance from a low of
around 50% of trains arriving on time in April 2015 to 88% by the end of October 2015.
Work on the line has continued since October, including a significant amount of maintenance work
undertaken over the Christmas period last year. This has had an impact on performance while the
work was underway, particularly in the last two weeks of December 2015 and the first two weeks of
January. However we expect a long term positive outcome as a result of the works carried out so far.
Once the speed restrictions, imposed by heat restrictions and track settling after the Christmas line
works have been reduced, we anticipate improved performance, especially in the peak periods.
Work on improving the Wairarapa Line is also ongoing within Tranzmetro/ KiwiRail. A review of
the initial improvements is currently underway and Greater Wellington Regional Council is
expecting a report with further proposals for improvements in early 2016.
With regards to the frequency of services, we do monitor passenger levels and demand on the
services and at the moment the passenger loading information indicates that a sufficient number of
services are being provided to meet the demand.
B) Improvements to frequency of weekend services on Wairarapa Line
We do regularly monitor passenger levels and demand on all services including services operating
during weekends, and at the moment the passenger loading information indicates that provision of
additional services is not justified.
If you have any concerns with the decision(s) referred to in this letter, you have the right to request
an investigation and review by the Ombudsman under section 27(3) of the Act.
Yours sincerely
Wayne Hastie
General Manager
Public Transport
OIA 2015-109
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