KiwiRail gets funding - this time

KiwiRail has been warned that current government handouts cannot continue - as new spending in transport bypasses Auckland and goes to regional roading.

And SuperGold cardholders should have certainty in the scheme after close to $41 million in extra funding over four years, the Government says.

Yesterday's two-year $190.2 million funding package for KiwiRail has come with a warning, with Transport Minister Simon Bridges saying ongoing subsidies at that level are "unsustainable".

The new Budget spending takes total investment in the company since 2010 to $1.4 billion.

"KiwiRail has made good progress in increasing customer numbers, becoming more reliable and upgrading assets. However, the Government expects it to continue to improve its productivity and efficiency," Mr Bridges said.

The boost for the SuperGold card scheme comes after it had been put under pressure because of the growth in cardholders and trips.

"The Government supports increasing the mobility of SuperGold cardholders. That's why we're providing $40.9 million of additional funding to provide certainty."

- NZME