Protesters greet Overlander

The Overlander pulled in to Marton, blinking its lights at protesters on the platform hoping to "save their stop from the chop".

KiwiRail announced in April it would cease stopping at Marton and Taihape from June 25. It said the train's 60-year-old carriages would be decommissioned and new ones would be running on the tracks in a transformed service for international tourists.

Martonian Jenny Greener hugged the train manager, Alun McCarthy, who alighted to help aboard Marton traveller Judy Parleviet and Australian tourist Storm Dwyer.

Mrs Parleviet said she travelled on the Overlander twice a year, sometimes more, and was yesterday on her way to Hamilton.

Ms Dwyer had been holidaying in Wanganui with Joan Firmin and was returning to Australia via Auckland. "I think it's a shame. I catch this train every time I come to New Zealand because it's easy," Ms Dwyer said. Mrs Firmin said she would have to travel to Auckland to pick up Ms Dwyer if she could not catch the train.

Project Marton co-ordinator Cath Ash said it was great for tourists, but not locals for whom the Overlander was their public transport. "We look after those in the city but what about country folk who need the transport?"

Mrs Greener said she and friend Lyn Duncan were train buffs and they travelled a lot.

The two friends caught what was to be the final train in 2006 when the service was to be axed.

"We travelled to Auckland and stayed overnight, then caught the train back. It was to be the final train, but it was saved at the 11th hour," Mrs Greener said.

KiwiRail confirmed yesterday Overlander Wellington staff had retained their jobs or been redeployed to other roles.

About 40 people gathered at Taihape Railway Station as the Overlander pulled in, to protest the cuts. Protest organiser Richard Aslett said it was great to see so many people voicing their opinion about the cuts - including train passengers.

He said a petition - asking for KiwiRail to retain the stops - placed aboard the train at Marton was completely filled with signatures by the time the train pulled into Taihape.