Waikato Connection

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The Waikato Connection was a short-lived express passenger train that was operated by the Tranz Scenic division of Tranz Rail between Hamilton and Auckland in New Zealand's North Island.

Contents 1 Operation 2 Cessation 3 Potential reintroduction 4 References

[edit] Operation

The Waikato Connection was a northern North Island equivalent of the Capital Connection and Wairarapa Connection commuter trains, which operate from Palmerston North and Masterton respectively to Wellington in the southern North Island.

It was operated by a Silver Fern railcar and commenced on 26 June 2000. It had a catering service and stopped at intermediate stations such as Huntly and Pukekohe.

[edit] Cessation

The train ceased operating on 7 October 2001, the same day as the Geyserland Express and Kaimai Express and Bay Express also ran for the last time. Many, including the mayor of Hamilton^[1], saw this cancellation as untimely as the service was just starting to gain popularity.

[edit] Potential reintroduction

Since the June 2006 announcement of the cancellation of the Overlander (since rescinded), there have been proposals to reinstate the Waikato Connection, including from Dave Macpherson, Hamilton City Council's Passenger Transport Committee chairman.^[2] These proposals may involve using rolling stock made available from the cessation of the Overlander, or using the Silver Ferns as in the original Waikato Connection, though the Silver Ferns are presently under contract for the Pukekohe to Auckland suburban commuter service.

Although the Overlander's cancellation has now been rescinded and the service continues to operate, proposals still exist to re-establish the Waikato Connection as commuter traffic between Hamilton and Auckland is continuing to grow, straining road capacity. The primary difficulties facing the proposal are lack of rolling stock and train paths through the Auckland suburban area, particularly into the Britomart Transport Centre.

[edit] References

• ↑  Mayor disappointed Waikato Connection axed
• ↑  Overlander train loss may be Waikato's gain

Long Distance Passenger Trains of New Zealand

Currently operational: North Island  Capital Connection - Overlander Currently operational: South Island  TranzAlpine - TranzCoastal Historic: North Island  Bay Express - Blue Fern - Blue Streak - Daylight Limited - Endeavour - Geyserland Express - Kaimai Express - Napier Express - New Plymouth Express - New Plymouth Night Express - Night Limited - Northerner - Northland Express - Rotorua Express - Scenic Daylight - Silver Star - Silver Fern - Taneatua Express - Taranaki Flyer - Thames Express - Waikato Connection - Wairarapa Mail Historic: South Island  Culverden Express - Kingston Flyer - Lynx Express - Picton Express - Southerner - South Island Limited