Government rail cash wanted

Christchurch City Council wants Government funding to help establish a commuter rail system.

In a submission to the Government's draft National Rail Strategy 2014, the council said: "Although Christchurch does not currently operate a rail passenger transport service, it is essential that funding assistance is available if Christchurch is ever to operate an urban rail service."

Mayor Garry Moore said there was no way the council could afford to install a commuter rail system by itself.