The electrification of the Auckland rail system will be a major step forward for passenger rail services and when completed will provide the Auckland region with a world-class public transport rail service.
ARTA is currently working with ONTRACK on developing the project scope and technical details for electrifying the Auckland network.
Electrification is part of a wider programme of public transport infrastructure improvements to take place over the next five years, including the achievement of 10-minute train frequencies in peak hours, new stations, opening the Onehunga branch and Manukau spur lines, strengthened bus and ferry networks, integrated ticketing and real time passenger information.
As a result of those improvements, rail patronage is expected to more than double by 2016.
Current Activities
In November 2009, the government announced $500m funding to buy about 114 EMUs (electrical multiple unit). The EMUs will be running in the European Rail Traffic Management Systems (ERTMS) Level 1 train control signalling environment – a contract being delivered by Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia.
The contract for the construction of 3500 masts to support 80km of overhead wires for electrification was signed on January 14th 2010. KiwiRail appointed the contract as a partnership between Hawkins Infrastructure and Australian company Laing O'Rourke, and some of the work has already begun around the network with the 40 sites being proceeded in stages.
Currently, ARTA, together with KiwiRail and Veolia is forming a new team to jointly manage the purchase of electric trains, with the aim of having a supplier appointed by no later than early 2011. A Request for Tender for electric trains will be released shortly.
The benefits of electrification are :
