LUXURIOUS RAIL-CARS

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31523, 10 November 1967, Page 20

LUXURIOUS RAIL-CARS

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 9. If the experimental Auckland-Hamilton “luxury” rail-car attracts sufficient patronage next March a whole new rail-car system may be put into operation.

The General Manager of Railways (Mr Ivan Thomas) discussed the proposed experiment today in a press conference after his return from Japan this week.

working on South Island routes.

Mr Thomas said New Zealand could improve on the Japanese sleeper services. Showers, a buffet car and Continental breakfast services are among the hopes he has for the proposed new line.

The Auckland - Hamilton trial will probably mean the introduction of stewardesses to serve light refreshments.

Measures to reduce noisefactors will also be examined—Mr Thomas was very impressed by Japanese success in cutting train noises to a jninimal level. If the experiment as a whole proves successful, Mr Thomas said, the Railways Department would have to seriously consider introducing new permanent services. At the Government’s request, the department was now preparing detailed costing for a complete new overnight service between Wellington and Auckland.

More comfortable seats are currently being placed in the rail-car, which will feature a number of modifications based on Japanese services and facilities seen by Mr Thomas.

He visited Japan officially to accept delivery of the first three of a consignment of 55 diesel - electric locomotives which will replace about 90 per cent of the steam engines