**Open letter to the Minister of Transport:** \\
\n \\
\nHon. Michael Wood \\
\nMinister of Transport \\
\nParliament Buildings \\
\nWellington \\
\n \\
\nDear Hon. Michael Wood \\
\n \\
\nWe are writing about the \u2018Decarbonising the Transport System\u2019 online conference the Ministry of Transport is organising on March 1.\u00a0 \\
\n \\
\nWhile we welcome the attention given to this important subject, we are concerned that the rail sector is not represented at the conference.\u00a0 Transport comprises 21% of New Zealand\u2019s annual greenhouse gas emissions, the second largest source, and has been New Zealand\u2019s fastest growing source of emissions over that last 30 years. We believe rail transport is part of the solution and should be given a voice at the table.\u00a0 \\
\n \\
\nAmongst the line-up of keynote speakers are representatives for the land transport lobby, farmers, and car manufacturers. A spokesperson for rail is not included on the agenda.\u00a0\u00a0 \\
\n \\
\nRail plays an important role in getting people out of cars and onto public transport across the world. Long distance passenger rail between towns and cities is a key part of decarbonising transport overseas. There are passenger rail revival projects in California, Illinois, Texas and Florida, places traditionally associated with cars. 2021 was the year of rail in Europe with the expansion of fast rail and night trains. In 2021, it was announced that the Northern Explorer service between Auckland and Wellington and the Coastal Pacific between Picton and Christchurch would be suspended indefinitely. New Zealand is now the only significant advanced economy in the world without passenger rail linking our major cities. In addition, New Zealand does not have any night trains in service.\u00a0 \\
\n \\
\nRail also plays a significant role in low emissions freight transport. \\
\n \\
\nThe lack of a keynote speaker representing rail is a further indication of the low prioritisation the Government gives the sector, as well as a lack of recognition of rail\u2019s key role in decarbonising transport. \\
\n \\
\nWe call on the Ministry of Transport to include a keynote speaker from the rail sector. \\
\n \\
\nBest regards, \\
\n \\
\nPaul Callister & Patrick Rooney \\
\nOn Behalf of the [SaveOurTrains Campaign](https:\/\/www.allrailways.co.nz\/) \\
\n \\
\ncc. \\
\nHon. James Shaw, Minister for Climate Change \\
\nMr Peter Mersi, CEO, Ministry of Transport<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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