More study of train plans needed

Plans for a passenger train service between Hamilton and Auckland are moving forward. Photo / Andrew Bonallack

The dream of a rail service from Hamilton to Auckland continues as Hamilton City Council's growth and infrastructure committee unanimously approved further study and advocacy into the option.

Councilwanted to look at immediate actions required to preserve opportunities to get the trains running.

City transport unit manager Jason Harrison's report to council focused on retention or purchase of land that would enable new railway stations or park and ride facilities to be built in Hamilton.

Committee chair Cr Dave MacPherson said advocacy for the passenger rail service would also be needed in Auckland and a business case put forward by the associated regions to ensure that establishing a train is even possible.

Deputy Mayor Gallagher said the need for faster progress in getting the proposal moving was high.

"I just want to get some steer as to the directions we have to take to futureproof [for a station] somewhere in the Te Rapa area - and I know the report alludes to those talks about that - but obviously new opportunities for some sort of new passenger platform park and ride will start to diminish," he said.

Chris Allen, general manager of city infrastructure, said the time for a yes or no decision on the train proposal by Hamilton City Council would be required at the formation of the next 10-Year Plan.

"We're aware that The Base still hasn't been fully developed and there may be opportunities to continue discussions with The Base to integrate a [railway station, park and ride] facility," Mr Allen said.

"It just seems to me that we are starting to run out of opportunity - and we may still decide not to pursue opportunity," Gallagher replied.

Cr Angela O'Leary pointed out it would be possible for the train to start and finish in Mercer in the northern Waikato and linking up with Auckland, if a service all the way between Hamilton and Auckland was not immediately possible.

Passengers would then also be able to feed in from Tauranga and the surrounding areas, and the train would still be advantageous as it would bypass the Auckland traffic snarl.

Mr Allen said the problematic Whangamarino swamp, which requires the train to slow to 40 km/h, is also located to the south of Mercer, so that would no longer be an issue if the train started and finished there.

"As well as this motion, Chris and I will talk about making sure the paper that Deputy Mayor Martin Gallagher's request comes to an early meeting and we work out how best to put up the proposition so that we can decide on our local infrastructure needs," committee chair Dave Macpherson said.

The strategy, business case and advocacy for the railway is expected to cost about $50,000, with the expense associated with actually establishing the service being part of a separate sum to be determined.