A Taranaki campaign to bring passenger trains back to the region is heading to Parliament, as local advocates push the Government to reconnect New Plymouth, Whanganui, Palmerston North and Wellington by rail.
Trains Taranaki says restoring long-distance passenger services would give communities across the lower North Island a safer, cleaner and more accessible transport option.
The group is backing a petition calling for regular passenger rail between New Plymouth and Wellington, arguing the service would support more than 750,000 people along the route, including older people, disabled travellers, students, workers and whānau who do not want to rely on cars, buses or flights.
Campaigners say Taranaki has been left off the passenger rail map for too long, despite having existing rail corridors linking New Plymouth with towns including Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham and Hāwera, and onwards through Whanganui and Palmerston North.
They say rail would also help reduce emissions, ease pressure on roads, improve safety and boost regional tourism and local economies.
The push comes as communities around Aotearoa continue to call for stronger regional rail links, with campaigners arguing public transport should not stop at the edge of major cities.
Trains Taranaki says taking the issue to Parliament is about making sure regional voices are heard in national transport planning.
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