I got emailed an ARTA press release not long ago providing some pretty good news that the rail electrification project is edging closer and closer.
ARTA WELCOMES NEXT STEP IN ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT
The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) today welcomed KiwiRail’s release of an Industry Engagement document as part of the process for the delivery of Auckland’s electric train fleet. The document was posted on the Government’s GETS website today.
In December last year, the Minister of Transport approved funding for Auckland’s electrification project which is due to be delivered to the region in 2013.
ARTA’s Chief Executive, Fergus Gammie says, “The electrification project is one of the region’s most exciting large-scale transport projects. ARTA is looking forward to working closely with KiwiRail on the project.
Mr Gammie says, “For the first time Aucklanders will have the opportunity to experience a fleet of brand new, modern trains. The project also opens the door to future transport developments such as the CBD Loop Tunnel project.
“Electrification offers a number of benefits to passengers, such as greater comfort, a smoother ride and one of the biggest bonuses for passengers, improved reliability of trains.
“Overall performance times will be improved which together with infrastructure improvements around the network will assist in reducing travel times for passengers.
“Electric trains are also better for the environment, reducing diesel emissions and are much quieter.
“All of these benefits will lead to much better rail services for Auckland, moving the city well on the way towards the world class public transport system we all want and expect.
Mr Gammie says, “Electrification is part of a wider programme of public transport infrastructure improvements for Auckland to take place over the next five years, including the achievement of 10-minute train frequencies in peak hours, new stations such as New Lynn, Avondale and Grafton stations, re-opening the Onehunga branch and Manukau spur lines, strengthened bus and ferry networks, integrated ticketing and real time passenger information.
“As a result of those improvements, rail patronage in Auckland is expected to more than double by 2016. For the calendar year from January 2009 to 2010 we hit the eight million passenger journey target, so we are well on track”, says Mr Gammie.
I guess the frustrating thing about this is that we were at this stage around this time last year before the government decided to change its mind on how electrification would be funded. So effectively we have lost a year in the process, which is unfortunate. However, looking on the bright side of things, at least we are seeing progress here. At least electrification is definitely happening.
Hopefully we will find out in the not too distant future the kind of trains that we’re going to end up getting.
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This is very good news. I am really looking forward to seeing them hit out tracks. It will be especially nice to finally have some brand new rolling stock for a change. I think it will really help boost passenger numbers (and the business case for the CBD Tunnel)
One question about the last paragraph of the press release, is patronage meant to double from the current figure (8 mil) or from a figure a few years ago?
Good question Matt. Maybe it’s meant to double from the 2006 base point (as that’s when the Rail Development Plan was put together). With electrification and all Project DART works in place we could be pushing 16m trips a year by 2016 I suppose. The Britomart tunnel congestion will be damn ugly by then.
I’m really interested to see, what the result of the following things will be;
– The “sparks” effect
– Britomart congestion
– Road congestion
– Oil price in 2013 or oil price volatility
I think there will be some huge pressure on the Minister of Transport in 2013 for major rail expansion whoever it may be…
Jeremy, you also forgot integrated ticketing.
Oh, and the fact that the sparks effect in Auckland will be going hand in hand with brand new trains and signal systems – while those are probably pretty standard in other “sparks effect” scenarios elsewhere, I think we may be boosting the quality of those from a particularly low starting level, and will thus see corresponding benefits.
One would think that the general perception of the rail system will change quite dramatically, which generally seems to be why the “sparks effect” exists.
Your right Max I did, I’m still wondering exactly how “integrated” it will be, I have high hopes… All in all I think we have enough gains to carry us though to a more pro-PT platform when hopefully we can make more gains…
Anyone have any idea as when we can expect to find out the successful tender? How long did it take for Wellington?
I’m really not sure Cam. I think a final option will be chosen by the end of this year and the trains should be under construction by next year though. Otherwise it might be a challenge to meet the 2013 delivery date.