Over the last two years, there have been a multitude of mechanical failures regarding the inter-islander ferries between the North and the South Island, which has brought great attention to the government. KiwiRail has requested a one-point-seven billion dollar funding request for a project to see the ferries repaired and ensure capacity for train transport as well.
Unfortunately, the government has declined the funding request, which could seriously impact the travel potential of goods and services, not to mention general transport, between the North and South island.
For this week’s Get Action! Sasha spoke to Dave Macpherson from The Future is Rail about a petition he started to ensure replacement Cook Strait ferries can carry trains.
Spike speaks to Dr. Tim Welch about Auckland Light Rail, the current downsides to the current planned approach for the project, and the benefits of surface light rail.
Kaitlyn is back this week for Totally Wired! Running you through the hottest tracks released over the last couple of weeks. She speaks to Georgia Knight about her debut record 'Beanpole' for Long Player, thanks to NZ On Air.
Following years of negotiations, Auckland may be getting a rail line to the airport. However, the transition period is expected to take 30 years, which has drawn criticism from a range of sources. Bfm producer Ben speaks to co-ordinator of the Public Transport Users Association, Jon Reeves.
Earlier this week, parliament passed a motion declaring China is committing human rights abuses aganst the Uyghur people. Noah Ferguson-Dudding spoke to National MP Christopher Luxon about the declaration, as part of their weekly interview. They also discussed the government's new 10-year plan to improve the national railway system.
A National Government commissioned report by the NZ Transport Agency on the benefits of rail was released over the weekend. bFM reporter Lisa Boudet speaks to Minister for Urban Development and Transport, Phil Twyford.
Justin spoke to Transport Minister Michael Wood about Auckland's Light Rail project, which has been restarted yesterday with a six-month Establishment Unit to present a business case.
Restore Passenger Rail is a environmental protest group which has been garnering headlines for disrupting traffic on Wellington highways and glueing themselves to roads.
Over the past two weeks members of the campaign blocked the Urban motorway, and Transmission Gully tunnel and abseiled down the entrance of Mount Victoria tunnel.
Casper spoke to Restore Passenger Rail spokesperson Rosemary Penwarden about their movement and why they believe it’s so urgent that we have passenger rail brought back across the country.
Billy Joel is playing at Eden Park this Saturday. However, concertgoers will not be able to take the train to the venue as KiwiRail is closing the network for repairs.
Auckland’s rail is undergoing an almost 300 million dollar upgrade and rebuild in time for the opening of the City Rail Link.
This means large swathes of Auckland’s rail network will be out of use for the next three years.
David spoke to Councillor Mike Lee about the issue and how it will affect Aucklanders.
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