KiwiRail general manager scenic journeys and commuter rail Tracey Goodall said in response to customer demand, the service would move to four days a week for winter, beginning on June 3. It will run Friday to Monday.
Greymouth Mayor Tania Gibson said it would make a great difference to the town.
"I’m pleasantly surprised by them doing it in these times. It shows the optimism of the border reopening ... I’m very pleased," she said.
Shantytown chief executive Andrea Forrest said four days during winter was helpful.
"What would be better would be a continuation of the $20 child fare and the introduction of a winter special for adults," Ms Forrest said.
"Eighty-nine dollars each way per adult is possibly not a good incentive for the domestic market."
Development West Coast destination and tourism manager Patrick Dault also said the winter timetable was great news.
"It will provide greater flexibility for both domestic and international visitors. It helps put the Coast in the reach of international visitors, who are due back soon after a long hiatus," he said.
From April 12, New Zealand reopens to vaccinated Australians and then from May 1, to vaccinated travellers from visa-waiver countries such as the United Kingdom, as well as others holding valid visitor visas. — The Grey Star
