Wellington to get new trains worth $210 million

A deal to buy $210 million worth of new commuter trains was signed today by the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

The agreement between the council and Korean consortium Rotem Mitsui means the council will purchase 70 electric commuter trains, with the option to purchase a further 13 in the future.

Council chairwoman Fran Wilde said the signing marked an important step for modernising the region's rail network.

"Track upgrades are scheduled to coincide with the arrival of the new trains from 2010.

"These new trains will allow us to meet future passenger transport needs affordably and sustainably," she said.

The council said only ten per cent of the cost would fall on ratepayers, with Land Transport New Zealand covering the remaining 90 per cent.

- NZPA