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Labour's three Hamilton MPs are promising to put a head of steam behind efforts to resurrect a daily commuter rail service to Auckland.
That follows a report to Environment Waikato from leading rail consultant Murray King, who says a service could start with refurbished twin-set railcars between Hamilton and Auckland, before rolling stock and stations are added as demand grows.
Hamilton City Council has set aside funds to build a station at Te Rapa, and the MPs are suggesting one also be built on the eastern side of the Waikato River, either next to a proposed convention centre at Claudelands or near Waikato University.
Former rail operator Tranz Rail scrapped a commuter service between Hamilton and Auckland in 2001 after deeming it uneconomic. A proposal supported by Hamilton City in 2006 to revive the service stalled over an establishment cost of $12 million.
But Dr King's report suggests the cost could be cut by acquiring railcars after the Auckland Regional Transport Authority replaces them on their Pukekohe-Britomart run.
Hamilton West MP Martin Gallagher and fellow members Nanaia Mahuta and Sue Moroney intended seeking Government funding for the venture.
