Luxury carriage launched

Press, 29 November 1989, Page 8

Luxury carriage launched

By

PAM MORTON

Passengers will soon be able to travel first-class on the Railway Corporation’s Tranz-Alpine Express.

The connoisseur carriage, marketed as an exclusive luxury rail carriage with only passenger comfort in mind, will be launched on Sunday. The corporation’s Intercity marketing manager for the South Island, Mr Gordon Burrow, said yesterday that the new service would cater for the top end of the market.

hand and foot.” The Tranz-Alpine Express, which runs from Christchurch to Greymouth, is one of the corporation’s most popular trains. Picture windows and sheepskin covered seats, plus some of New Zealand’s best scenery along the way, has made the train a favourite with travellers.

Mr Burrow said travellers in the connoisseur carriage would have the services of a full-time cabin attendant. Seats have been limited to 32 to provide more room.

“We are looking mainly at tourists who want the complete treatment and to be waited, on

would initially be run on a

Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. It was likely that it would be run daily during January, he said. “In January we are going to be struggling to have enough seats. By putting this carriage on the service we can increase the seating capacity.”

Mr Burrow said the carriage was a trial. If it proved popular other luxury carriages might be added to the corporation’s trains. Tour operators will be intro-

The new service will be avail- duced to the new service on a able to the public tomorrow. special day excursion to the West Mr Burrow said the service Coast on Sunday.