Features

Rail back in public hands

"KiwiRail" is the new name of New Zealand's new rail company

Introducing Your Rail Company

Associated articles

The transfer of New Zealand's rail and ferry assets back into New Zealand hands is a major step forward in building a sustainable transport system for the 21^st Century.

Unveiling the new KiwiRail brand, Prime Minister Helen Clark signalled Labour's vision for a transport system which is affordable, integrated, safe, responsive, and sustainable.

With rising fuel prices and a sense of urgency in the fight against climate change, governments around the world are again looking to rail as a central part of 21^st century economic infrastructure.

With our rail system back in public ownership, we can make the strategic decisions and investments necessary for rail to play its full part in building a more sustainable New Zealand.

By 2040 total freight transport movements in this country are expected to more than double. We will be looking to our rail network - and our coastal shipping which is also fuel efficient - to carry a lot of that extra load.

Over time, we will be able to move more and more freight off our roads and onto rail. Rail will also play a bigger role in public transport in our major centres.

This is a forward-looking, long-term investment in New Zealand's future. We are confident that KiwiRail will make a huge contribution to our economy.

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