RMTU general secretary Wayne Butson said ongoing underfunding is causing problems with regional passenger rail services, notably between Wellington and Palmerston North in the lower part of the North Island.
RMTU is a trade union in New Zealand, which represents transport workers in all aspects of the transport industry, including rail, road, and ports.
According to Butson, the union supported the business case and funding commitments provided by Horizons Regional Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Waka Kotahi for 22 new commuter trains for these routes.
“We are pleased to support the Green open letter and campaign to promote regional rail and in particular services like the Capital Connection and the Wairarapa Connection.”
The Capital Connection is a commuter service operated by KiwiRail that runs weekdays between Palmerston North and Wellington. The Wairarapa Connection, meanwhile, is an interurban commuter rail service along the Wairarapa Line between Masterton, the largest town in the Wairarapa, and Wellington.
Butson noted that the introduction of new hybrid electric trains and improving infrastructure would provide greater reliability and frequency of service, which would build passenger numbers. He also highlighted that the only way New Zealand will meet its goals to reduce carbon emissions will be to have a much higher use of passenger rail.
“Rail workers are keen to play our part in building a low carbon, modern rail network for the 21st century,” he added.
The Green Party launched its campaign in Palmerston North on 12 July.
In a letter to Grant Robertson, New Zealand’s Minister of Finance, and Infrastructure, it said: “We must act now, to provide frequent and reliable low-carbon alternatives to road transport, to meet a growing population and ensure the safety of those on board.”