John Broadwell: End of Overlander a backwards move

The Labour Government says it is "committed to developing a sustainable transport system that is safe, affordable and responsive to the needs of users".

It talks of a transport system contributing to New Zealand's economic development, social and environmental goals. "Achieving those goals depends on having a strong, integrated transport sector and good infrastructure."

This opening statement of Labour's 2005 transport policy seems attractive. But it's been conveniently forgotten in the case of the imminent closure of the Overlander passenger train service.

Forward-thinking countries are pouring billions of dollars into updating their railway systems. New Zealand meanwhile chooses to close its only North Island mainline passenger train.

China has recently completed a huge new railway project into Tibet costing nearly $7 billion. Richard Branson in Britain proposes providing 320km/h trains between London and Edinburgh estimated at $15 billion. Countries as disparate as Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia are investing heavily in railway services.

So why this closure in New Zealand? The answer is simple - lack of political will.

The problem is deeply rooted in the evils of rail privatisation and the god of shareholder profits. In all other forms of transport in New Zealand you can see continuous governmental and non-governmental organisations improving and investing in transport, designed to offer the fastest, smoothest and latest way to transport people and goods throughout the country.

The state-supported Air New Zealand is constantly updating its aircraft. More airlines are offering better and more frequent low cost services. Investment in shipping is increasing. Look at the new inter-island ferry Kaitaki with its larger capacity, higher speeds and greater comfort.

Roads, too, are constantly being upgraded. There are increased numbers of new cars, buses and lorries using the New Zealand road network. Billions of dollars from government coffers are being invested in New Zealand roads. These roads are then freely used by coach companies and freight lorries in direct competition to rail services.

The same level of funding should be ploughed into railways to create a level playing field. Britain is investing heavily in small lines through government investment, providing seed funding, creating partnerships between local government and community groups. New Zealand's railways meanwhile have become the Cinderella of the transport sector, still using carriages at least 30 years old. There is no apparent pride in the service, not even a lick of paint on the locomotives or rolling stock.

What are the direct and immediate economic effects of the closure of the Overlander service?

Service businesses along the length of the line will suffer substantially. Small to medium enterprises such as the cafe at National Park are set to lose staff. Toll NZ itself will have to redeploy the 35 staff now employed on the Overlander. The tourism infrastructure will be depleted in every small community along the rail corridor.

There will also be fewer travel options for tourists. And it means the loss of a truly great train journey. The knock-on economic losses are not difficult to predict.

The Overlander is first and foremost an iconic service, as much a part of the Kiwi identity as rugby or the beach in summer. And then we suffer the indignity of the facts being glossed over by Toll and the Government with business-speak. There was no consultation with the public, no warning given, no information from Government until we were presented with a fait accompli.

The fascinating history of the rail in Taumarunui "On the Main Trunk Line" and the subsequent opening-up of the central North Island to loggers and other settlers, even to New Zealand itself, is invested in this line and its passenger service. Where are the politicians with vision, courage and marketing knowledge? Are we as a country only interested in short term solutions?

Trains are green and fuel-efficient. They assist the country to meet its Kyoto Protocol obligations. Fewer cars would be on the roads if railways became a serious alternative to cars, coach operators and airlines. With rising fuel costs the passenger train will again come into its own and should not be dismissed as a service to be sacrificed on the altar of company profits.

Trains are efficient people-movers; they are a great way to travel, stress-free and relaxing. Thrown into the mix is all that glorious New Zealand countryside, only to be enjoyed from the safety and comfort of the train.

The sum of all these losses to New Zealand would be far greater than the relatively minor loss of the $1.7 million dollars a year support funding requested from the Government by Toll.

Vision, belief, marketing and political will is all that is needed to put matters right. Buy new stock and locomotives, rebuild old bridges, extend the overhead cables that are already there, improve the track. High-speed and Advanced Passenger Trains (APTs) are fashionable in Europe and in other countries.

Cut the journey time between Auckland and Wellington by 50 per cent. Create double track the length of the North Island: trains can then pass each other at speed.

Create an identity and use the best marketing companies available. Enthuse your customers. Offer shorter themed travel options such as steam-engine weekends. Create journeys from Taumarunui via the Raurimu Spiral to National Park. Stop off at the excellent Station Cafe in National Park as 35,000 railway passengers a year now do.

Offer skiing packages, or packages to the theatres and galleries in Wellington and Auckland with luxury dining or themed visits to Te Papa. Reinstate the Geyserland Express. Make it fun. The list is endless.

Labour has earmarked funding of $22.3 billion for its transport programme over the 10-year period commencing 2005.

Let's call for the railway passenger service to benefit from a significantly increased proportion of this money.

Take the railways out of private or company hands with their governing bottom-line mentality, return them to state control where they belong and reinvest as a nation in the vision.

* John Broadwell is a King Country school teacher.