Subscribe to RSSJoyce: Ak Trains On Schedule
Transport minister Steven Joyce says the process for getting Auckland electric trains is “well and truly on track”.
KiwiRail has today released its Request for Proposal documentation for companies that will be in the race to manufacture the 38 new electric multiple units.
As reported on AKT a few days ago, originally it had shortened this list to only 4 but has decided to send the documentation now to all the companies met KiwiRail’s qualifying criteria
Mr Joyce today gave an assurance the process is “well and truly on track”.
11 companies now get the documentation - four of them part of one consortium. The list is here
The minister says KiwiRail has assured him “they are very happy with how things are progressing and that they are on track to award the tender by the middle of next year and have the first trains on the ground and operational from 2013.
“While KiwiRail has made the call not to be part of the tender to build the trains themselves, they have been ensuring that all bidders are aware of the capacity and experience that exists here in New Zealand. I would encourage all players to investigate the potential to have some of the work done here.
“I was heartened to hear that a number of bidders have already visited the KiwiRail engineering workshops. I hope others will do the same in the months ahead.”
Mr Joyce took the opportunity to talk up Auckland’s rail.
He said commuter rail is an increasingly important way for Aucklanders to get to work each day. “The upgrade and electrification of the Auckland rail network will provide for more frequent trains at peak times and help to meet future passenger demand.
“New Zealand’s future success is tied to that of Auckland as our largest city and largest local economy. Getting Auckland transport working well is crucial to getting Auckland growing faster and providing more jobs. The government’s comprehensive rail and roading plan for Auckland is gaining momentum towards improving transport across the city. Increased productivity and growth in Auckland delivers flow-on effects for the rest of the country.”
2 Comments
Joyce positive on rail, that’s a nice turn for the books. I think he has had a sneak preview at the CBD tunnel study and it has come out good so he is laying some ground work for him and the government to support it.
Great to read the (previous) Govt’s commitment to Auckland rail is paying off. Awaiting the current Govt to announce one new extension to the Auckland network…sure they can do it…perhaps around election time 2011?