Auckland-Hamilton train service tipped to continue

By KEVIN TAYLOR

HAMILTON - A trial daily commuter train service between Hamilton and Auckland may become permanent.

Tranz Rail spokesman Mike Booker said patronage had met expectations, indicating there was sufficient demand for the service to continue after the trial period.

"We believe there is the basis of a successful service," he said.

The trial of the Waikato Connection service started on June 26 and was set to continue until just after Christmas.

Recent petrol price rises had helped to boost patronage, with an increase in numbers last month, Mr Booker said.

Comments from passengers on the 100-seat train showed that unhappiness with petrol prices was a reason for using it.

Mr Booker refused to release patronage figures, citing commercial sensitivity.

Environment Waikato transport manager Bevan Clement had no patronage figures available from Tranz Rail because it was not a regional council-subsidised service.

However, he said, public transport in the region was booming.

This month, the council said rising fuel prices had led to a 7.6 per cent increase in public transport use in Hamilton in August, compared with a year ago.

Mr Clement said a 1996 council study showed that up to 400 workers travelled daily to Auckland from the Hamilton area, including outlying towns. The council wanted to offer alternative modes of transport to Auckland.

Mr Booker would not say when a decision might be made to extend the service, but he said it would have to be before the end of the trial on December 26.

The council was considering a promotional campaign to further boost patronage, Mr Clement said.

The service was the culmination of eight years of pressure from the council on Tranz Rail.

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