A weekend train service could be up and running in Rotorua before the end of the year.
Tranz Scenic, which operates long-distance passenger rail services, is considering setting up a passenger service between Rotorua and Auckland, managing director Don Gibson said yesterday.
The proposal will depend on the Government getting the go-ahead
to buy back Tranz Rail.
The Government has signed a deal to buy the rail network for $1, take a 35 per cent stake in Tranz Rail and rescue it from insolvency through an immediate cash injection of $44 million and $100 million over the next five years.
The deal is conditional on approval from shareholders.
The tracks into Rotorua have not been used since 2001 and about 30km is substandard.
If the tracks were upgraded and the cost to access them lowered, Tranz Scenic would consider reinstating a passenger service, at least at the weekends, Mr Gibson said.
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
