Electrification Of Railways Refused

Press, Volume C, Issue 29624, 21 September 1961, Page 14

Electrification Of Railways Refused

No useful purpose would be served by having the electrification of the railway lines to Rolleston and Kaiapoi investigated in greater detail at present, the Minister of Railways (Mr McAlpine) said in a letter to the City Council last evening. He was replying to the council’s request for an investigation in which the council outlined advantages likely to accrue.

The suggested extensions involved electrification of 14 route miles of double track between Christchurch and Rolleston and 12 route miles of single track between Addington sod Kaiapoi. the Minister said. The additional electrification would be the equivalent of 40 miles of single track, with the prevision of locomotive depot facilities at Rolleston and Kaiapoi for changing from steam to electric haulage and electrification of more than 12 station yards, either fully or to a substantial degree. Electric locomotives and electric passenger cars would have to be bought. Capitol Cast “Altogether, the suggestion would involve considerable capital expenditure and substantial operating and other general advantages would require to accrue in justification," the Minister’s letter continued.

“It is true that electrification has shown savings over steam operation in some overseas railways, but closer investigation will show this has occurred where there has been heavy density of freight traffic and very substantial passenger traffic. In effect, it applies generally to countries and areas carrying a dense population. This is understandable, too, when.one considers the cost involved, for instance, in providing the overhead installation for an electrified railway—a cost which is substantial and fixed irrespective of the volume of traffic using the line. City Density “In the Christchurch metropolitan area, the density of freight traffic does not approach anything like that required to Justify electrification, nor is it likely to reach that density, even under the most favourable conditions, for very many years. From a passenger viewpoint, the population living close to the railway between Addington and Rolleston and between Addington and Kaiapoi presents only a very small percentage of the metropolitan population, and it is clear from overseas experience in New Zealand that potential patronage for many years ahead would not nearly justify the heavy cost of electric passenger services.

“It is appreciated that electrification as envisaged does present some pleasing and attractive advantages. On the other hand, I think it will be agreed that basically the economics of public transport is directly related to population, and that without essential density of population it is difficult to justify heavy capital expenditure on certain projects desirable as they may be in certain aspects.” “I believe we must get the people out of motor-cars." said Cr. P. J. Skellerup “Cities are going to be strangled because of motorcars.”

He proposed that the council call a meeting of all interested persons, including residents of Kaiapoi, Rangiora and Rolleston, to discuss further action.

“You always get a refusal from a Minister the first time you approach him," he added

Cr. W E. Olds supported Cr. Skellerup but said he agreed with the Minister on electrification. However, there was room for an improvement in the rail-car or multiple unit sevices. The council adopted Cr. Skellerup’s motion.