A new rail service from Hamilton to Auckland is well on track after funding has been approved by the NZ Transport Agency.
Transport Minister Phil Twyford announced today that $92.37 million will go towards the construction and operation of the new service, with $79.8m coming from NZTA and $12.57m from local authorities.
Twyford said the service is an important first step to strengthening the connection between two of New Zealand's largest and fastest growing urban areas.
"We know more and more people are commuting between Hamilton and Auckland, and this service will give them a real choice between being stuck in traffic or relaxing on the train," he said.
"An important part of our transport policy is giving people options so they don't always have to take their car, freeing up the roads for those that have to drive.