GREATER Wellington Regional Council has endorsed a proposal that would see the New Zealand capital’s Wairarapa and Capital Connection fleets replaced with 15 four-car Bi-mode Multiple Units (BMUs).
Greater Wellington sustainable transport committee chair, Ms Barbara Donaldson, says the region is currently experiencing growing demand for capacity.
“Our rail network reached a new annual patronage high of 14.3 million passengers in June, representing an increase of 5.7% year-on-year,” Donaldson says. “The peak patronage rates were even higher, rising 7.3% year-to-date, with our busiest lines being Hutt Valley and Kapiti.”