Hopes high for suburban rail trips

Organisers of rail excursions to and from Dunedin today hope they will promote suburban rail as a transport option for Dunedin commuters.

Taieri Gorge Railway chief executive Murray Bond said bookings for suburban "rail revival" trips between Dunedin, Port Chalmers and Mosgiel were "going through the roof, to almost embarrassing levels".

Extra afternoon excursions between Dunedin and Mosgiel have been added after about 250 (of 500 seats) had been booked since last Wednesday.

While Mr Bond acknowledged the demand for tickets was related to the "novelty value" for rail enthusiasts and families, the scheme also had a serious agenda to "pose a question about expenditure to various authorities".

"We hope the excursions might make the regional and city council assist us in future.

"With the high track access fees, it's not a real money-maker for us and that is why it's being promoted as a revival.

"But if demand exists, it will be an indication that these sort of things can happen and should happen.

"We want these authorities to buy two railcars which could be operated for tourists, cruise ship visitors, or commuters.

"It's an important part of infrastructure for any city, and suburban rail would put Dunedin on the map in a big way."

Otago Regional Council director of policy and resource planning, Fraser McRae, said light rail, such as trams, and heavy suburban rail transport were discussed during a joint Dunedin City Council and Otago Regional Council public transport review in 2006.

The options were dismissed because reinstating suburban stations, or refurbishing remaining stations, such as Wingatui, would require "significant investment", Mr McRae said.

"The problem is also the expense of installation and ongoing maintenance.

"This council is upgrading its bus service. [Light rail and suburban services] are highly unlikely and not being considered at this stage," he said.

Green Party MP Metiria Turei, of Dunedin, said debate over suburban rail highlighted the need to develop "a diverse range of public transport options" to counter rising transport fuel costs and congested roads.

"We would be 100% supportive of any suburban services, or those between cities, because there is an increasing need for various forms of public transport.

"Every other modern nation has major rail transport infrastructure."

Transit New Zealand average annual daily traffic figures showed 24,500 vehicles a day used the Southern Motorway near Fairfield in 2007, but could not specify how many Taieri-based commuters used the motorway each day.

Dunedin City Council figures last year showed up to 4000 vehicles used the Three Mile Hill route daily.

Today's suburban rail revival excursions will depart Dunedin for Mosgiel at 9.30am (and return 10.10am); 1pm (1.30pm); and 3pm (3.30pm).

Services to Port Chalmers will depart Dunedin at 11am (returning at 11.40am); and 2pm (2.30pm).