Planning a train trip at Easter Weekend? You may need to catch the bus

Sharron Pardoe Reporter from The Hutt News

Buses will be replacing trains across the Wellington rail network over Easter Weekend while major works and a massive maintenance programme is carried out.
Train services will only be operating between Masterton and Upper Hutt, with all other services being replaced by bus services. Bus replacement timetables will be available at stations, but passengers are advised to check the Metlink website, or call 0800 801 700 for information.
The work being carried out includes:

* Construction work relating to the NZTA Transmission Gulley project
* The start of the Traction Upgrade project on the Hutt Valley Line
* Maintenance of the complex infrastructure entering Wellington Station

“Closing the lines is the only way that we can allow workers to get access to the area to carry out essential maintenance to keep the trains moving. Such work would be more hazardous, difficult and take much longer if the trains were still operating,” says Greater Wellington rail operations manager Angus Gabara.

“The reason we do these works over Easter Weekend is because it is traditionally a time of lower passenger numbers and will impact less customers.

“We will be having buses replacing the trains at all stops to ensure people can still get to where they want to go this weekend but understand that this could have an impact on people’s travel plans and apologise for any inconvenience.”

Wellington’s rail network needs constant maintenance and upgrade work to improve reliability and reduce the number of delays to services. Much of the Easter Weekend maintenance will focus on the complex entrance to Wellington Station - including servicing the overhead lines, tracks, signals and points.

Due to the aging nature of the network and growing patronage demand, major investment is needed to bring it up to capacity and a modern reliable standard. GWRC and KiwiRail have submitted business cases to the government requesting addition funding to address these underlying issues.

“For Wellington to have a modern, reliable, and sustainable rail network we will need major investment in our infrastructure. The council and KiwiRail expect to hear the results of the business cases in May,” says Angus.

For more information on bus replacements, or the work being carried out please visit www.metlink.org.nz......