Who is TRAC
Introduction
We are a non-politically aligned advocacy group set up to promote the highest potential use of rail in Aotearoa/New Zealand. We believe that rail is in a neglected state and that successive governments have reneged on their responsibility to maintain the New Zealand rail network in a fit for purpose state. We also believe that large vested interests in the road transport industry have campaigned against rail as a viable transport option in order to boost their own interests and this has negatively impacted rail in New Zealand.
We believe that rail is a highly valuable form of transport that is currently functioning well below its potential and we intend to change that by bringing all of the advantages of rail to the attention of politicians and the general public, whom we believe have been misled by misinformation for a long time.
Advantages of Rail
1. The cleanest form of transport of people and freight [less emissions, no environmental degradation]
2. The cheapest form of transport of people and freight
3. Potentially the fastest form of land transport of people
4. Is the most efficient way of moving large quantities of freight or people
5. Is the safest form of transport
6. Is the most comfortable and enjoyable form of transport
7. Is the best form of transport to provide equity and connectivity for those on budgets and for disadvantaged members of society
The facts about rail
Our Aims
To promote the value of rail and highlight rail’s advantages through the promotion of new rail projects and by challenging any lack of rail development which can be achieved to improve New Zealand’s transport infrastructure. We also intend to give rail as much positive support publicly as we can.
Our Campaigns
Fund Rail Like Roads
We currently fully support the current governments initiative to fund rail through the National Land Transport Fund [NLTF]
Remove the under wheel infrastructure from the control of KiwiRail Ltd
We believe that the below wheel infrastructure is an asset owned by the people of New Zealand to enable rail to serve communities, the environment and business interests throughout the country, and its development must not be pegged to the limited fortunes of KiwiRail Ltd, but to the general well being of the nation of New Zealand, through an appropriate government agency.
Open access to the railway system by suitably qualified operators
We believe that a number of other operators such as ‘short line’ operators, direct competitors for KiwiRail and Heritage groups will have a positive effect on the value of rail, by complimenting services that KiwiRail find unsuitable to their business model. This will be particularly valuable in the areas of tourism and provincial railways. It could also provide some competition to improve rail services to customers.
Restoration of all lines closed since privatisation in 1993
We believe that all of these lines served the communities that they were built in, but will now have enhanced use when climate change, environmental degradation and social equity and connectivity are factored into their future use, and must be restored now.
Continued development of the Auckland heavy rail system
We believe that best way to provide connectivity, equity and to reduce traffic congestion in the Auckland region is to develop the heavy rail system to its maximum potential, which includes; a line from Wiri to Onehunga via the airport and Mangere employment hub, a line from Avondale to Southdown with a connection at Onehunga to the airport line, the development immediately of a third main from Wiri to Papakura and then also added to lines from Otahuhu to Auckland and the West line from Avondale to Swanson. We also support heavy rail to the North Shore
Support for light rail in suitable areas
Light rail is ideal in densely populated areas where a rail option must overlay existing infrastructure. At this stage, there is a case for light rail on the central Auckland isthmus, and from Drury to Panmure via East Tamaki and Botany Downs with a connection to Manukau City.
Support for other urban rail developments
Cities such as Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin all have rail systems that could be utilised for urban and/or regional rail services. We believe that consideration should be given to the development of fast (160kph) train services on routes such as Auckland – Hamilton, Auckland – Tauranga and Auckland – Rotorua.
The continued upgrading of all lines to take heavier and faster loads
We believe that neglect has created great challenges for the current government, and the value of the rail system needs to be enhanced and maintained going forward, such as heavier axle loading and double tracking of busy lines such as Auckland to Tauranga and the NIMT.
Consideration of new routes and deviations to improve routes
There are many of these opportunities which need to be flagged now for future development (eg Paengaroa to Rotorua to Taupo; Mangapehi on the NIMT to Kinleith; Oakleigh to NorthPort then NorthPort to Mareretu via Waipu and the Waipu Gorge)