Christchurch commuter rail trial and regular South Island services to return

A 12-month commuter rail trial will launch in Christchurch in mid-2027, connecting Rangiora and Rolleston to the central city via morning and evening services. The project will be run by Mainland Rail and is supported by a $3.4 million loan from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund. The Rolleston to Christchurch journey is expected to take less than 20 minutes.

The funding will also enable Mainland Rail to transition the Mainlander train from monthly excursions to a regular timetable. This regular service will run between Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, Gore, and Invercargill. The return of regular services between Christchurch and Invercargill is intended to reinstate the Southerner service.

The trial's progression depends on local councils confirming their combined half of the costs. While the ministers have received letters of support from the mayors of Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri, further engagement with Environment Canterbury is expected.

Paul Jackson, chief executive of Rail & Tourism Group Holdings, stated that the company has already invested significant capital in purchasing former Auckland Transport commuter carriages. Passenger fares are expected to cover half of the trial's $6.8 million operating budget.

How it developed

• Sun 1 Nov, 11:10amPublic transport advocacy group Save Our Trains Southern expressed concern that a 12-month trial period is too short.

Where reports differ

• One report states the total operating budget for the trial is $6.8 million, while another mentions the trial cost is $3.4 million.
• One report notes the Rolleston trip will take less than 20 minutes, while another specifies it will take less than 20 minutes instead of 50 minutes by road.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald, 1News, The Press and Otago Daily Times.