Transport Minister Michael Wood dismisses ‘frenetic commentary’ of Te Huia Auckland-Hamilton train

Transport Minister Michael Wood dismissed “frenetic commentary” about the Auckland-Hamilton train service, as passenger data shows some promising signs, Newshub reports. The Te Huia train service, launched earlier this month, came under some scathing reviews after the initial excitement died down and passenger numbers stagnated. The Government has put more than $80 million into Te Huia, and local authorities another $12.2 million, to run it for five years at least. Meanwhile, Rail and Maritime Transport Union has called for more coverage of the service, suggesting new stations at Pokeno, Te Kauwhata and Tuakau “right away.”