Electric rail views wanted

Aucklanders are being asked to support an electric rail network which will be faster, quieter and less polluting than diesel-powered trains.

The Campaign for Better Transport said more than 2000 people had already signed a petition supporting the electrification of the rail network in the city since it was launched a fortnight ago.

Petition spokesman Cameron Pitches said Auckland urgently needed electric rail to become a truly world-class city.

He said passengers at the city's Britomart station had been keen to sign the petition.

"It is easy to convince people when you are shouting to be heard above the noise of the diesel trains as they idle at the platform," he said.

The petition sought a funding commitment and a timetable for electrification from the Government.

He said it would cost about $180 million to install overhead wiring and signalling but electric trains were more reliable and provided a significantly better investment return than diesel trains.

- NZPA

The Campaign for Better Transport petition