Comments on: Electrification inching closer

By: admin

admin — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 09:14:54 +0000

I’m really not sure Cam. I think a final option will be chosen by the end of this year and the trains should be under construction by next year though. Otherwise it might be a challenge to meet the 2013 delivery date.

By: CamBennett

CamBennett — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 06:25:26 +0000

Anyone have any idea as when we can expect to find out the successful tender? How long did it take for Wellington?

By: Jeremy Harris

Jeremy Harris — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:23:59 +0000

Your right Max I did, I’m still wondering exactly how “integrated” it will be, I have high hopes… All in all I think we have enough gains to carry us though to a more pro-PT platform when hopefully we can make more gains…

By: admin

admin — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:15:15 +0000

One would think that the general perception of the rail system will change quite dramatically, which generally seems to be why the “sparks effect” exists.

By: max

max — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:00:24 +0000

Jeremy, you also forgot integrated ticketing.

Oh, and the fact that the sparks effect in Auckland will be going hand in hand with brand new trains and signal systems – while those are probably pretty standard in other “sparks effect” scenarios elsewhere, I think we may be boosting the quality of those from a particularly low starting level, and will thus see corresponding benefits.

By: Jeremy Harris

Jeremy Harris — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:10:09 +0000

I’m really interested to see, what the result of the following things will be;

- The “sparks” effect
- Britomart congestion
- Road congestion
- Oil price in 2013 or oil price volatility

I think there will be some huge pressure on the Minister of Transport in 2013 for major rail expansion whoever it may be…

By: admin

admin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:03:22 +0000

Good question Matt. Maybe it’s meant to double from the 2006 base point (as that’s when the Rail Development Plan was put together). With electrification and all Project DART works in place we could be pushing 16m trips a year by 2016 I suppose. The Britomart tunnel congestion will be damn ugly by then.

By: Matt L

Matt L — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:58:21 +0000

One question about the last paragraph of the press release, is patronage meant to double from the current figure (8 mil) or from a figure a few years ago?

By: Matt L

Matt L — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:35:31 +0000

This is very good news. I am really looking forward to seeing them hit out tracks. It will be especially nice to finally have some brand new rolling stock for a change. I think it will really help boost passenger numbers (and the business case for the CBD Tunnel)