About Us
Vote TRAINS - Waikato Trains NOW!
This campaign is managed, on a completely voluntary basis, by the Campaign for Better Transport. We have a team of dedicated members throughout the Waikato and Auckland.
We invited interested members of the public and businesses who have the foresight to see the benefits of Waikato commuter trains to join us as members, help with events, or make donations to this worthwhile campaign.
See our contacts page if you are interested in helping us.
About the Campaign For Better Transport:
The CBT is a non-politically aligned group that advocates for more balanced, cost-effective and sustainable transport policy decisions.
Unlike some other transport organisations, which are aligned to a particular transport mode, we do not make donations to political parties. This means our honesty and integrity cannot be compromised. We solely concentrate on encouraging better transport options for New Zealand communities and businesses.
The CBT is run by a committee, with Convenor, Secretary and Treasurer. Elections are held annually at the AGM.
Some CBT Successes:
- Re-Open Onehunga Railway. Our campaign to have the line reopened and passenger services started. The line has received a $20 million make over, new stations and passenger train services recommence on September 19, 2010. The last passenger train services ceased in 1973.
- Transit NZ (now NZTA) agreed( through Environment Court mediation process with CBT) to move a section of State Highway 20 in Mangere Bridge. This was to allow for a future rail link to Auckland airport.
- Electrify Now. CBT started the campaign in 2007 to have the Auckland railway network electrified. This work is now being undertaken and due for completion for new electric trains by 2013. This programme with new rolling stock is worth over $1 billion.
- Waterfront Trams. CBT, with technical help from MOTAT, presented a proposal to the Auckland Regional Council to have heritage trams return to Auckland. These are now planned, on a smaller scale to the CBT proposal, to be rolling through a section of the Auckland waterfront by mid 2011. The investment will be approximately $7.5 million.
We are continuously reviewing transport decisions and policies by the Government and Councils throughout New Zealand. Our members are invited to raise any issues they are concerned about throughout New Zealand. The CBT carefully selects which campaigns to be involved in as we are completely voluntary with funding only from membership fees and donations.
The train service:
The Campaign for Better Transport would like to see something like this for the service. Most important however is that a decent service is up and running as soon as possible. It can be built on and improved overtime.
- Three return services between Hamilton and Auckland.
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Using refurbished and comfortable trains with WiFi, catering and
toilet facilities (photos on this website are of these railcars).
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Stations to be considered for stop could include Ngaruawahia, Huntly,
Te Kauwhata, Tuakau and Pukekohe before continuing on to any Auckland
stops through to the Britomart Station in downtown Auckland.
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Approximate total operating cost $2.8m p.a. (from EW May 2009
Preliminary Business Case Study)
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NZ Transport Agency (Govt.) to contribute approximately $1.4m p.a.
- Local rating of approximately $12 per rateable property in the areas which will benefit from the train services.
- Monthly and weekly plus student concession fares, Gold Card discount suggested.
- Will provide the only direct public transport services for Te Kauwhata and Tuakau to Downtown Auckland (currently non-existent).
- A central Hamilton station (There is a station under the Warehouse building that could be re-opened and refurbished) Here are plans for the existing underground station
- Stations could be built at The Base (Te Rapa) and possibly Claudelands Events Centre as the service matures. Both could offer Park and Ride facilities.
Photos
Click the thumbnails for a larger version.
