Overview
The Capital Connection is a long-distance commuter train operated by KiwiRail between Palmerston North and the capital city of Wellington on the North Island Main Trunk.
In 2018, the service faced funding issues, but the Government ensured that the service would continue, with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA, otherwise known as Waka Kotahi) and regional councils investing in subsidies and the replenishment of rolling stock.
The modernisation and replacement of the service has been included in Horizons' 2021-2031 Regional Land Transport Plan. The service would be replaced by a modern and more frequent service with a larger train fleet.
History
The service started on Monday 15 April 1991 as the Cityrail Express, with "Cityrail EXPRESS Palmerston North – Wellington" emblazoned on carriage sides.
From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).