The editorial talked about the opportunity for a regular alternative transport option, along with getting tourists between our two cities. It suggested a feasibility study could be undertaken. I agree.
Accessibility as was so rightly pointed out, is key to growing our region. Yet, as we all know, our public transport is limited.
I certainly think that looking into an inter-city rail link is worth it. Bringing back a Hawke's Bay public rail hasn't been on many radars, simply because when we become accustomed to not having a service, we don't know what we're missing.
Another reason perhaps, is that it's been constantly drummed into us, that rail costs too much, is unprofitable. Roads and more roads have been the only answer. But now there is a change in government, regional rail could well be making a comeback.
As a child I grew up in Waipukurau and I have fond memories of enjoying the train trips with my granny to Hastings for a day visit. I especially enjoyed the travel because I got terrible road sickness, yet on a train I could read, draw, play cards and look out the big windows at the changing seasons and farmland.
These are fond memories that my children have never experienced. It just shows how quickly generations in transport change. And yet, I'm sure I can think of plenty of times when, if it was available, we would have used it - to visit Waipukurau and going back and forward to Napier.
I'm sure looking into rail would also spark interest from Central Hawke's Bay, with many residents commuting daily for work. Having already heard from Otane locals, I know more public transport to Hastings is something they are keen on - especially as the train tracks go through the centre of their small village - they too could become a destination point. This is a rural community that is so close yet seems distant from Hastings.
Hastings is the engine room of our region, we are the place where people come to work and everyone living in our region has a right to better and affordable public transport, so they can leave cars at home and reduce congestion.
Of all the places, Hastings with its flat, easy walking streets and the majority of its residential housing in such close proximity to the railway line, our city lends itself to more people using rail more to get around our region. And what other city in New Zealand has a railway line going right through its water fountain - you could make a real thing of it!
There could be "an express to work" or a "stop and wander" route at various sites between the cities off-peak. It could even link into the Hawke's Bay Airport - the possibilities are endless.
The first step in getting anything moving is to find out what, if any, public interest there is in seeing it go further. And of course as soon as you ask, there will always be a level of backlash from those who think it's absurd, a complete waste of money.
But unless we ask - we will never know whether in these times it's feasible or not. The first question is does it justify doing the homework. How much would it take and what would it cost to get a couple of carriages going back and forth - could we trial it?
Over the coming weeks, I plan to talk to a few movers and shakers and find out more from the experts. I'll report back. It takes nothing to get a public feedback survey under way, so we can find out more about what you think.
I encourage you to talk about it and get the idea out there more. Think openly. This is an opportunity to do more to improve access between our cities and create a regional connection for people to use and enjoy.
Would you buy a ticket?
Anna Lorck is a local business owner of Attn! Marketing PR. She stood for Labour Tukituki in the 2014 and 2017 elections. Views expressed here are the writer's opinion and not the newspaper's. Email: editor@hbtoday.co.nz.
