A new system which uses the GPS tracking devices installed on KiwiRail's locomotive fleet is set to improve safety for New Zealand's track workers, as KiwiRail's project manager, Jonathan Wynands explains.

GREATER Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) is to order an additional 35 FP class Matangi two-car emus from Hyundai-Rotem for Metlink suburban services, instead of refurbishing the fleet of 44 EM class emus built by Ganz Mavag, Hungary, in 1982.

KIWIRAIL is to slash its infrastructure and engineering workforce by almost a quarter as part of its continuing drive to reduce operating expenses by $NZ 200m ($US 164m) over three years.

THE credibility of KiwiRail's $NZ 4.5bn ($US 3.6bn) plan to turn the state-owned railway into a profitable business has taken a major hit after the New Zealand government minister for state-owned enterprises, Mr Tony Ryall cast doubt on KiwiRail's ability to generate the necessary revenue.

AUCKLAND Transport has unveiled the preferred route for the proposed City Rail Link (CRL), which will extend the existing suburban line underground to create a new link beneath the city centre.

KIWIRAIL has begun the technical and legal process to revalue its assets to better reflect the revenue they generate. Under the revaluation KiwiRail's assets are likely to be revalued at approximately $NZ 1.1-1.3bn ($US 867m-1.02bn), significantly lower than their current book value of approximately $NZ 7.8bn.

KIWIRAIL is relaunching its only North Island long-distance passenger train, which operates between Auckland and Wellington, in a bid to make the service profitable.

KiwiRail is increasing capacity on the North Island between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, the country's second busiest container port.