Capital Connection

Capital Connection
A Capital Connection train passing through Paekākāriki, 8 February 2024
Overview
Service typeCommuter rail
StatusOperating
LocaleLower North Island, New Zealand
First service15 April 1991
Current operator(s)KiwiRail
Former operator(s)Cityrail (1991–1995)
Tranz Metro (1995–2001)
Tranz Scenic (1995–?)
Ridership185,472 trips (2008–2009)[1]
159,641 (2011–2012)[2]
Websitehttps://www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/northern-explorer/book/other-services/capital-connection/
Route
TerminiPalmerston North
Wellington
Stops5
Distance travelled136 km (85 mi)
Average journey time2 hours, 6 minutes
Service frequencyOne service each way daily (Mon-Fri)
No service Sat, Sun, and Public Holidays
On-board services
Seating arrangementsAirline-style
Alcove with table
Catering facilitiesOn-board café
Baggage facilitiesOverhead racks
Baggage carriage
Technical
Rolling stockNew Zealand DF class locomotives
S class carriages (ex-British Rail Mark 2)
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Operating speed65 km/h (40 mph) average

The Capital Connection is a long-distance commuter train operated by KiwiRail between Palmerston North and the capital city of Wellington on the North Island Main Trunk.[3]

In 2018, the service faced funding issues, but the Government ensured that the service would continue, with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA, otherwise known as Waka Kotahi) and regional councils investing in subsidies and the replenishment of rolling stock.[4][5][6]

The modernisation and replacement of the service has been included in Horizons' 2021–2031 Regional Land Transport Plan. The service would be replaced by a modern and more frequent service with a larger train fleet.[7]

KiwiRail passenger trains in the North Island
  1. ^ "Ratepayers face bill to keep capital train service". The Manawatu Standard. 12 January 2010. Archived from the original on 22 January 2010. Retrieved 13 January 2010.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference business case was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Capital Connection: Commuting made easy". Tranz Scenic. Archived from the original on 19 August 2007. Retrieved 30 August 2007.
  4. ^ "Update on Budget 2018" (PDF). www.horizons.govt.nz. 17 May 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 December 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  5. ^ "Transitional rail (new activity class)". www.nzta.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 21 December 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  6. ^ "WELLINGTON REGIONAL LAND TRANSPORT PLAN 2015 2018 MID–TERM UPDATE" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 December 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  7. ^ "2021–2031 Regional Land Transport Plan" (PDF). www.Horizons.govt.nz. Horizons Regional Council. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 June 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2021.