An Auckland-Hamilton train service? Not likely in my lifetime! These lobby groups need to realise the central Auckland network needs to be upgraded / expanded first in order to remove the current network capacity constraints at Britomart, i.e. develop the CBD rail loop. But before that can be built the network needs to be electrified - you can't run an underground mass transit system with diesel trains! Service extensions to Hamilton or wherever might be able to be considered after the CBD loop. My suggestion to these lobby groups is stop distracting the politicians with your balmy requests and concentrate instead on lobbying for Auckland rail electrification which is at serious risk of being canned by central government. BTW - the Helensville trial service was a flop which demonstrates what a hopeless cause a Hamilton service would likely be.

It's maybe time for the govt. to come clean and tell what their intentions are as regards rail service in N.Z. I thought there was going to be a trial service from Hamilton to Auckland. We live in New Plymouth and would love a train service to Palmerston North and Wellington. I understand that a goods train service on one of the Taranaki lines is being discintinued as the line needs some repair work and Kiwirail doesn't have the funds to repair the line. As for Stu well I'm sorry to tell you that Ak is important but it's not the only city in the country.

Get real they never use it before an will not use it now as for the 80 precent of rates payers want it hay i was never ask.You can drive quicker and get to where you are going.

Brilliant! what a great idea! couldnt they hook up 2-3 extra carriages to a freight train?

Screw Auckland; what about the rest of the country?

Even if the residents of Waikato manage to get enough signatures, all I'm going to say.....don't hold your breath on this national government supporting the train idea. If John Key refuses to accept the people of new zealand's wish about changing the smacking law, then theres no way a train service will come under his watch. Waikato's best bet is to hand the petition to Kiwirail or the train company who runs Aucklands trains

It is about time that this is approved!!! - I travel from Hamilton to Auckland daily and if they can have daily freight trains, they can also have passenger trains. The Overlander does not really count.

Commuter trains from Hamilton? Get in line please. How about train services for the rest of Auckland first? The North Shore for example.