The prospect of securing commuter rail for greater Christchurch is like a mirage that bobs on the horizon. Despite repeated exposure, it has proven to be stubbornly elusive.
But will the hopes and dreams of making this transport mode a rush-hour reality remain just an illusion? Environment Canterbury has unanimously voted to engage with KiwiRail about conducting a detailed business case into establishing commuter rail between Rangiora and Rolleston.
Cue Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey who has scoffed at the latest endeavour as “pie in the sky”. Doocey tells me the penny dropped when he first heard what ECan was up to. “It must be election year!”
