Transport plan changes are in the wind and these will improve transport options in the Wellington region.

Greater Wellington Regional Council and Toll NZ are moving to upgrade the regional Tranz Metro rail network and Greater Wellington has asked the Minister of Finance to push the case for the extension of the Waikanae Electrification Programme, associated double tracks and new stations. Greater Wellington has also sought additional funding for selected road improvements and plans to provide improved commuter facilities for public transport users.

Greater Wellington is also working with Transit New Zealand and a number of other key industry bodies to achieve better management of the regions transport infrastructure befitting business interests, road users and communities.

All of these transport initiatives spell good news for the thousands of commuters who spill in and out of the city every day by public transport or private vehicle. Wellington, being the capital city as well as the gateway to the south, faces a particular set of transport issues requiring an integrated approach and co-operation on a regional level.

Greater Wellington, Upper Hutt City, Hutt City, Kapiti Coast District, Porirua City and Wellington City councils have all agreed that working together will bring a wider view of the issues that the region faces and help find solutions that cut across territorial boundaries.

Tony Brennand, Greater Wellington's transport strategic direction manager says the Western Corridor review is one part of an integrated approach. He says the review contains a number of initiatives that will provide a package of short-, medium- and long-term plans so the community and business interests can see what transport improvements are proposed.

"The outcome of the review will be a staged transport plan encompassing rail, road and travel demand management as well as future land use. The review will consider a full range of transport options including Transmission Gully."

Tony said the present road congestion experienced by commuters wastes time, damages the environment and inhibits economic growth. Ease of travel is a major focus.

He says rail is also being reviewed and Greater Wellington and Toll Holdings have plans to upgrade the Tranz Metro Wellington rail link.

"Greater Wellington and Toll Holdings have agreed to begin the preliminary work on the specifications for new rolling stock and the servicing of this. An increase in the number of services offered with a faster cleaner and more comfortable ride coupled with plans to upgrade stations and waiting areas should encourage greater use by commuters."

Improvements to rail freight access to the Port of Wellington as well as inter-island transport will ensure rail is an attractive option for industry.

"Wellington is going to be a easier place in which to do business and as a community it will be an easier place to live. Moving around the region is about to get a whole lot smarter and quicker providing a better quality of life for all Wellingtonians.