[MotherBear]

Just like old times - the Overlander's late
30 September 2006
By MIKE WATSON AND ADAM RAY

As the two Overlander trains rolled into National Park station to a hero's reception it was almost as if time had been rolled back too. Hundreds of passengers poured on to the station platform yesterday for cups of tea scones and barbecued sausages with the strains of Taumarunui on the Main Trunk Line lifting the rafters.

True to form, the two passenger services, from Wellington and Auckland, both ran late.

Rail operator Toll has given a reprieve for the Wellington to Auckland daily service, less than two days before it was due to cease. A reduced timetable will see it continue to run on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from next week, and return to a daily service for the busy Christmas period.

The three-carriage service from Auckland arrived first – 25 minutes late – almost full. Forty-five minutes later than scheduled the five-carriage service from Wellington ground to a halt as passengers were welcomed by station dog, Max the fox terrier.

All up, nearly 250 passengers were on the two services. More than 400 are expected to make the trip today in what was to have been the final journey.

Station cafe part-owner Karleen Furner said it had been a hectic six weeks since news the Overlander was to be axed. "It's been good for business but we are looking forward to having Sunday off. I have mixed feelings it has stayed but it will keep my eight employees in work."

Among the passengers yesterday was Christchurch balladeer Christopher Cape, son of Peter Cape, the voice behind the classic Taumarunui on the Main Trunk Line. Mr Cape sang his father's tunes to passengers and revived memories of pioneer train travel.

"My father would have supported Toll's change of mind," he said. "He never wanted New Zealand to lose its indigenous character which train travel helped portray."

Regular train traveller Royce Edwards hopped on at Hamilton to take the trip to National Park and back. Mr Edwards, who has lost 90 per cent of his sight, makes the trip every six weeks "because I have nothing else to do and I enjoy it".
Meanwhile, Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard said he was surprised and slightly cynical about Toll agreeing to run three services a week. The company must operate three Overlander services a week or lose its monopoly. "If they do not do this, then after 12 months another business can access the railroad," Mr Mallard said.

Toll rejected Mr Mallard's claim and said the reduced service, for which demand was already strong, would meet passenger demand and allow carriages to be refurbished.

- The Dominion Post