Wellington train timetables to return to normal on Thursday

Wellington’s train nightmares end on Thursday with a vow from KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy that the situation will never be repeated.

Wellington rail commuters have this week faced delays, overcrowding and reduced services after Kiwirail announced its only rail inspection car had broken down in Auckland, leading to a 70kph blanket speed reductions starting Monday as Wellington’s train line inspections became overdue.

But now the specialist evaluation car had completed its assessment of the Kāpiti Line so the speed restriction could be lifted.

“I apologise to the people of the Wellington region again for the disruption over the last three days,” Reidy said in a statement. “We are making changes in KiwiRail to make sure this situation is never repeated.”

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According to Metlink, Wellington was short 182 train services from Monday to Wednesday this week – making up 48% of all services. The disruptions were scheduled to last through Thursday at least.

But the statement from Reidy said the problem had been solved and services would return to normal on Thursday morning.

Over the next few nights the track evaluation car will be assessing the Hutt Valley/Wairarapa Line, the Johnsonville Line and the Melling Line.