New Rail-car Service Almost Ready

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31621, 6 March 1968, Page 1

New Rail-car Service Almost Ready

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, March 5.

Preparation of an attractive rail-car for the experimental fast service between Hamilton and Auckland—starting next month—is approaching completion.

It is planned to bring the new service into-operation on April 8. The rail-car will make a morning run from Hamilton to Auckland and return from Auckland to Hamilton in the early evening. Features of the new rail-car will include: Softer seating, with reclining backs upholstered in blue with a charcoal shade of trim. Gold-coloured carpets. An external finish in zenith blue with alpine violet lining round the windows and along the body. Small Trays The Minister of Railways (Mr Gordon) said today that provision was being made for light refreshments to be served by hostesses to passengers at their seats during the journey. Refreshments would be delivered on a small tray which could be attached to the seat. Newspapers and magazines would also be distributed.

Mr Gordon said single fares

on the new rail-car would cost 82.50 and the return fare $4.50.

He promised that if the experimental service was successful the Government would look at the possibility of introducing similar services over other busy routes between large centres of population.