Railcorp introduces coastal express

Press, 26 September 1988, Page 3

Railcorp introduces coastal express

By

LES BLOXHAM,

travel editor

Railcorp introduced its new Coastal Pacific Express yesterday — three carriages with seat-to-ceiling panoramic windows and comfortable sheepskincovered seats. It is a copy of the successful TranzAlpine Express which has carried more than 11,000 passengers since last April. The express was sent on its way by the member of Parliament for Lyttelton, Mr Peter Simpson, who described it as the third leg of the “Railways treble handicap.” (A similar train is now used on the Southerner service to Invercargill.) Mr Gordon Burrow, regional marketing manager for Railcorp’s Inter City division, said the Coastal Pacific completed the refurbishment of the South Island passenger services. Mr Burrow said Inter City would be

promoting excursion trips from Christchurch to Kaikoura as well as boosting the “Picton connection” — overnight packages which include a cruise and wine trail round Blenheim. Because food is provided on the train, the traditional refreshment stop at Kaikoura has been eliminated. The train will now stop only to drop off and pick up passengers. Food available on the train includes scones with jam and cream for $4, including tea or coffee; boxed lunches ($5), the Great Railway Pie ($5) and sandwiches and cakes. The Coastal Pacific Express will depart Christchurch daily at 8.10 a.m., arriving at Kaikoura at 11.10 a.m. and Picton, 1.30 p.m. It leaves Picton at 2 p.m. and returns to Christchurch at 7.25 p.m.