The Railway Gazette International reports:
KiwiRail is call tenders early in the New Year for the supply of up to 114 electric multiple-unit cars for Auckland, following the cabinet’s approval of a NZ$500m loan on November 24.
The first of the 1 067 mm gauge EMUs will enter service on the Eastern and Western suburban lines in 2013. Auckland Regional Transport Authority will also lease up to 13 electric locomotives to haul ex-British Rail SA and SD coaches on the Southern Line.
Interestingly, the article also states that “the operation of suburban trains in Auckland and Wellington will be put out to tender.” Does that mean KiwiRail is exiting public transport in Wellington as well, since Auckland’s services are already contracted out to Veolia?
