The first fleet of battery-electric trains in the Southern Hemisphere, co-funded by Greater Wellington and Horizons regional councils and the Government, will be constructed by Alstom, a global leader in sustainable rail transportation.
After a worldwide procurement process, Greater Wellington today entered into a Design, Build and Maintenance agreement with Alstom for the Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility (LNIRIM) programme.
Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter says Wairarapa and Manawatū line passengers can look forward to quicker journeys and more frequent trains from 2030.
“From Palmerston North and Masterton to Wellington, the Tūhono fleet will double peak time trains, increase off-peak services and support regional growth,” Cr Ponter says.
“Designed for New Zealand conditions, the new trains switch to batteries on track without overhead power, using technology proven in countries like Japan and Germany.”
Approved by Mana Whenua, the name Tūhono symbolises how the trains will better connect urban centres and regional communities.
Enable the doubling of peak services on both lines and additional off-peak services.
