Should commuter trains return to Dunedin tracks?

As long as it is made competitive in pricing and timings as the buses (at least at peak hours for times) then I think that it will be very popular.
As for the cruise ships, a lot of them do already get picked up by the trains put on by the Taieri Gorge railway.

Yes, long term inevitably this will happen as NZ's entirely road based transport infrastructure is unsustainable. I commend TGR for their initiative in prompting debate and action from civic and government leaders.
It is a shame that in the decades since suburban services were cancelled, most of the double-tracking has been removed and nearly all of the stations demolished. It would take some investment to get things back up and running. For things to be done properly, the following would need to be done:
- Double tracking from Mosgiel to Port Chalmers
- Electrification of same route
- Restoration of Wingatui Station
- Rebuild of Port Chalmers Station in the town centre
- Rebuild of Mosgiel Station
- Installation of 'shelter' type stations at Abbotsford, Green Island, Burnside, Caversham, Kensington, Pelchet Bay, Ravensbourne, St Leonards, Maia & Sawyers Bay
- Purchase of 5 electric twin multiple units, perhaps hand-me-downs from the soon to be upgraded Wellington system
- Establish a minimum 30 minute frequency
- Investigate extensions to Airport & the north coast
- Allow free transfer to loop bus routes in the city centre and Mosgiel
Of course, that would be an ideal situation, the first steps could be to run an initial service with two diesel railcars, and build things from there.

The wonderful school trains through Caversham - some of us Cavie kids even rode them out to Mosgiel and back - just for fun... and those racy red rail cars.... or the local coal merchant unloading his coal at the Caversham shunting area!!
My dad took me on the last day of High Street Tram... I can vaguely recall the day. Just imagine how proud we'd be of Dunedin if they had been retained.... and then of course, there were the trolley buses. All the things we had, gone.... God I feel old!!!
Its maybe time to bring some historical stuff back to the city... It might even be better that than spending all that money on a new stadium?

I would just like to say I agree with those points you made Guest, as you made some great suggestions I wouldn't even know to think of and I bet the wider public wouldn't either.
About the rail from Picton down to Invercargill, well I think they should do the same for all the cargo, and goods that are usally trucked down, as that would be cleaner on the environment and also easier on the roads requiring less Government funding to continuously repair. After all, that seems to be one of the reasons the Government gives for putting up taxes on fuel prices etc.
Good on you I hope you are in a position of influence somewhere, I am just a mere member of public.
Cheers

Yes, lets bring passenger rail back to Dunedin.
However there has to be an upgrade to the north /south track to allow for faster travel time.
Also how about car trains - load your car at Picton, rail on down to Invercargill, motor on back up the east or west coast.
Get rid of the buses at Port Chalmers that take the Cruise ship people to their local destinations.
Re-do the Port Chalmers station closer to the port entrance. Make the tourists walk a few steps. This might bring more business to the town-for years. This disposable income group has by-passed the town because of the transportation.
Have a zippy-looking train that takes them to Dunedin as well as the Taieri Railroad. Or make the railroad THE ONLY WAY to get into town. Then pick up the tour bus at the station.

I think it would be a fantastic idea to bring back trains, opportunityfor fast, efficient service, along with being great for the environment, as less vehicle emissions, if people use rail.Would that include trams?