Haere rā diesel trains

This month marked the end of the line for the Papakura to Pukekohe diesel passenger train service. This southernmost Papakura to Pukekohe rail connection will now be suspended, to allow for the electrification of 19 kilometres of line.

The trains known as Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) played an integral role in revitalising Auckland’s rail commute network in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Raymond Siddalls from Auckland Transport said it’s a bittersweet moment – as the diesel trains saved Auckland’s commuter rail service from likely closure. Mr Siddalls played a crucial role in getting redundant passenger trains from Perth to Auckland in the early ‘90s.

"The DMUs were too successful and didn’t have capacity to carry all the potential customers. They were the catalyst for justifying further investment in the Auckland Metro rail network and the eventual introduction of the electric services.”

KiwiRail Chief Operating Officer - Capital Projects David Gordon said Aucklanders are starting to see a ramp up in work to improve the city’s rail network.

“The City Rail Link is going to be a game-changer for Auckland - allowing more frequent and more convenient commuter services to get people around the city, which will help reduce carbon emissions. But to get to that point there is a lot to be done over the next few years.”

To find out more, go to the Auckland Transport website: https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/electric-trains-to-pukekohe/