A three-way partnership has determined that the Capital Connection will be saved.
The business case proposes that Greater Wellington takes over running the service for five years. NZTA agrees to subsidise a percentage of operating costs and Horizons will also contribute. What is critical and different in this proposal is that Kiwirail will be subsidising the operation for the first time. It was the only commuter service running without subsidies.
This is good news for the 47 Otaki commuters who use the service every day.
The train seats 448 passengers, but only averages 306 passengers daily.