New era for Wellington rail network

Wellington's creaking rail network has taken a 50-year leap forward, with a switch to a computerised signalling system.

Last Friday, passengers on Wellington's Johnsonville line had to walk along the tracks after a points fault at Ngaio halted trains.

Staff worked around the clock during the weekend to install the new system for peak services yesterday morning, Wellington region rail programme director David Gordon said.

"It was mostly behind-the-scenes work with signalling staff moving a lot of wires around."

The old signalling system dated from the 1960s, he said. "It can be best explained by the move from an old wooden desk with levers to a bank of computer screens."

Commuters arriving in Wellington yesterday morning were unaware of the new system, which will control about 380 train movements per day.

Some people were hit by a 15minute delay, which KiwiRail spokesman Nigel Parry said was caused by two mechanical faults, unrelated to the introduction of the new signalling system. The problem was fixed in 30 minutes.

"It had more to do with the age of our rolling stock," he said.

The switch to a new computerised system is part of a huge upgrade of the capital's rail system.

More than $550 million is being spent laying new tracks, overhauling electrical and signalling systems, building new stations and buying 90 new train units.

The new signal system performed well on its first day, KiwiRail spokeswoman Ruth Larsen said.

- © Fairfax NZ News