Funding runs off track

LOST POTENTIAL: From maiden run to the demise of the commuter train to Helensville.

Low patronage and high running costs have led to the trial rail service to Helensville reaching the end of the line.

Auckland Regional Transport Authority and the Auckland Regional Council will finish the commuter service at the end of next month.

It began on July 14, 2008 following strong promotion after an absence of passenger rail travel to the nor-west region for 28 years.

ARC Rodney representative Christine Rose says the service has been an "unfair trial" because it has not been run well enough to be a real test of demand and desire for decent rail transport.

"The timetable, lack of service options, lack of attention to detail like running times, integration with the bus service, on-board advice and contingency planning in the event of break downs has been insufficient to give commuters confidence that they would get to work or home on time, if at all."

As a regular user, Ms Rose says the good parts about the service were friendly staff, comfortable and efficient travelling and the ability to take bikes on board.

"Despite the hiccups, rail has attracted some very committed travellers who would continue to use it if it is retained, and more services and improved care would attract more customers."

Auckland Regional Transport Agency customer services general manager Mark Lambert says an average of 43 passengers a day travelled in total on the three daily services.

"The subsidy paid by the ratepayer and taxpayer per person per journey for this service is $45.72. This compares with a regional average of $5.02 per passenger per journey."

Disappointed Auckland Regional Council chairman Mike Lee says for a number of reasons it didn’t work out, but given the current state of the rail system he was not surprised.

However, there is future hope with the regional council working with the authority on a more economic replacement service that could run to Waimauku.

Mr Lee says it could have more services catering for a wider catchment of travellers, including students and shoppers. There would be an option to integrate the bus service from Helensville with the rail timetable to act as a feeder to Huapai.

- © Fairfax NZ News