Sunday October 18, 2009
News that Taihape is being put back on the rail map has been given the thumbs up by locals.
The central North Island town has been reinstated as a stop after it was dropped from the train timetable in 2005 due to falling numbers, KiwiRail said.
Taihape will be re-appear from October 23.
Rangitikei District Mayor Chalky Leary said the news was "really good," but questioned why the rail stop had not been used over the last three years.
Leary expected trains would only stop for about 10 minutes but said the town believed it would still be good for the local economy, and would give people another travelling option.
"It seems silly, it (the train service) was going right through from National Park to Marton. If you wanted to get off halfway through it was tough luck."
He said the most spectacular part of the main trunk line is the area between Taihape and Marton which included the Rangitikei Valley.
He said the stop would allow more people from Taihape to go through this area.
Tranz Scenic marketing manager Richard Keenan said the stop was being reinstated because they had been impressed with Taihape's commitment to regular train services, including enthusiasm for events and attractions which will add to the appeal of Taihape as a destination.
