Coast rail link may change

Press, 23 October 1978, Page 4

Coast rail link may change

Greymouth rep'orter Daily return passenger trips between Greymouth and Christchurch will be possible under a new timetable for the service proposed by the Railways Department. The proposal includes the eliminating of the early morning newspaper train from Christchurch, but according to the assistant general manager of the Railways Department (Mr F. D. Daly) this was being discussed with “The Press” and alternative arrangements would be made. Mr Daly said in Greymouth on Saturday that the new timetable had been drawn up after submissions from the West Coast to the Minister of Railways (Mr McLachlan) and discussions on the Coast between interested bodies and officers of the Railways Department. The main feature of the suggested timetable is that passengers will leave Greymouth at the earlier time of 8 a.m., arriving back at Greymouth at 11.35 p.m. Mr Daly said that this reorganisation would provide five hours in Christchurch for business or medical appointments, and allow time for a meal before the return journey.

“In addition, it would also nrovide connections with Road Services coaches to other parts of the South Island, as well as connections with both internal and overseas flights at Christchurch Airport. “I believe this change to a genuine twice-daily service would overcome many criticisms of the present timetable, and I am sure that it would prove most acceptable to the many people who

have made submissions to Railways,” said Mr Daly. “The other main feature of the proposed timetable was that the changes made would allow the full restoration of the so-called “sportsmen’s special” on a Saturday, which at present runs only as required, “It is not proposed to alter the present morning departure time (9.40 a.m.) from Christchurch, as this connects well with road and air services.

“The new timetable proposed has been prepared to balance as well as possible the requests of the interested parties and the operational requirements of the Railways.

“It has been announced at this stage to enable interested local groups to comment before a final decision is taken. It could be introduced early next year,” said Mr Daly.