Christchurch-Greymouth train trip for revamp

Press, 23 April 1987, Page 9

Christchurch-Greymouth train trip for revamp

The Railways Corporation proposes to promote the Christchurch to Greymouth line as a tourist attraction.

On-train catering, a commentary on the journey, and rescheduling of the service were planned in an effort to boost trade, said the South Island passenger manager, Mr John Bennett.

About 40 minutes would be cut from the journey by eliminating 14 stops, another seven being on-

request only. The train would leave an hour earlier than at present to allow the same train to return that day, said Mr Bennett. He emphasised that the changes were in the planning stages only and that the corporation needed to talk to the unions before finalising anything.

The new schedule would involve “staff adjustments” on the West Coast as only a Christchurch crew would be

needed, he said. The new timetable would allow one-day trips to Arthur’s Pass every day, and a late return of the train on Sundays would give people the chance to spend more than four hours on the West Coast, said Mr Bennett

“Economies have to be made for our survival,” he said. "We believe there is a future for rail, and changes like these will help ensure that future.”