Final numbers for train; link to ODT story

Final numbers for the train: 170 inbound in the morning (in spite of
snowy conditions: brrrrr!); 275ish outbound for the evening service.
Cash surplus! How do you think we should spend it? - please add your
comments...

ODT story: http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/waitati/127646/commuters-swap-cars-train

Thank you for getting the train!!!

Hi

Thank you to all you marvellous people for coming out in the snowy weather to catch the train today!!

It was a resounding success, people got out of their cars and the schools had a great down in town.

It was wonderful to see all the North Coast communities 'training" together to town!

Kind regards



Danielle Cameron
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from Get the Train group

getthetrain.blogspot.com

Channel 9 news story

http://www.ch9.co.nz/content/world-car-free-day-returning

ODT story

http://www.odt.co.nz/elections-2010/dunedin-city-council/126273/commuters-challenge-mayoral-candidates

Twilight train excursion to Waitati

Dunedin residents will have a chance to enjoy a twilight rail
excursion on Wednesday 22 September when Get the Train charters the
Taieri Gorge Railway excursion train to Waitati and back.

The twilight excursion will run to Waitati from Dunedin, from 5.45 to
8.40, allowing a 45-minute stopover in Waitati. Enough time to buy a
fresh cup of coffee and take a walk around the village.

TIMETABLE: Depart Dunedin 5.45pm, Maia 5.55pm, Sawyers Bay 5.50pm,
Port Chalmers Upper 6.00pm, Mihiwaka 6.15pm, Purakaunui 6:17pm,
Osborne 6.20pm, Michies Crossing 6.25pm, Waitati ARRIVE 6.30pm

After a 45 minute stayover, return trip departs for Dunedin 7.30pm,
arriving 8.10pm.

The cash return fare is $10 and bookings are not required.

Car Free Day - train ride to town and back

Hello all train people!

We are gearing up for Car Free Day and the train ride to town!

We have been granted all the funds we applied for and are very grateful to Otago Community Trust, DCC Small Grants fund, Waikouaiti Coast Community Board and Chalmers Community Board for supporting the commuter train for Car Free Day.

Now all we have to do is fill the train on 22 September!  Warrington School are having a day out in town.  Waitati, Purakanui and Port Chalmers Schools are going to Opoho School for a visit; they are another Enviro School.

We have invited the Mayoral candidates to meet the train and give us their views on public transport.  This is our chance to show Dunedin that the North Coast wants a train and that there are lots of people who will use it.

Thank you all for your support and we'll see you on the train!

Timetable as follows:

Leaves from Waitati:

7.40 Waitati
7.45 Michies Crossing
7.50 Osbourne
7.55 Purakanui
8.00 Mihiwaka
8.10 Upper Port Chalmers
8.15 Sawyers Bay
8.25 Maia
8.40 Dunedin

Leaves Dunedin at 5.45 ..... Arrives Waitati 6.30.

If you need any more details ... please ring Danielle on 482 1233

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from Get the Train group

getthetrain.blogspot.com

Media advisory: Get the Train organises commuter train for World Car-Free Day, 22 September

Media advisory: Get the Train organises commuter train for World
Car-Free Day, 22 September

Main points:

* morning and evening workers' train for Waitati, Port Chalmers and
other townships
* chance of an evening excursion for Dunedin residents

Detail:

'Get the Train' has booked the Taieri Gorge train to run as a commuter
service on 22 September from Waitati via Port Chalmers to Dunedin in
the morning - returning from in the evening.

An extra feature this year will be the chance for a twilight excursion
to Waitati from Dunedin, from 5.45 to 8.40, allowing a 45-minute
stopover in Waitati. A similar trip may be made by 'early birds',
departing Dunedin at 6.40 on the outward empty train.

The schedule will mean that the morning train will arrive at Dunedin
at approximately 8.40am.

We are inviting all Mayoral candidates to meet us off the train on
that day and asking them all to give us the gist of their position on
public transport in and around Dunedin in a succinct 60 seconds. Yes,
we will time each contribution and give them a warning bell at 50
seconds.

While we haven't told them this - we will also be rewarding them for
their efforts. In preparation are a number of 'Mayoral Trains' which
will be hung around the necks of participants if they can deliver
within their 60 seconds.

The aim of local rail and public transport advocacy group ius to "keep
the rails shiny" - to promote the idea of rail travel as an option for
developing Otago's transport needs for people and goods. We believe
that a daily train service on this route could be viable within one or
two decades as oil prices continue to increase.

We acknowledge the assistance of Community Trust of Otago, Dunedin
City Council Small Grants Fund, Waikouaiti Coast Community Board and
Chalmers Community Board for financial support for this venture.

CONTACTS

Danielle Cameron
Get the Train
4821233

Ross Johnston
Get the Train
jpl @ callsouth.net.nz

Peter Dowden
Get the Train
03 4822441 or 021 137 2129
peter.dowden @ gmail.com

TIMETABLE

(Outward train departs Dunedin 6.40am, arriving Waitati 7.20am. The
public may travel on this service)

COMMUTER TRAIN DEPART Waitati 7.40am, Michies Crossing 7.45am, Osborne
7.55am, Purakaunui 8.00am, Mihiwaka 8.05am, Port Chalmers Upper
8.10am, Sawyers Bay 8.15am, Maia 8.25am, ARRIVE Dunedin 8.40am

COMMUTER TRAIN DEPART Dunedin 5.45pm, Maia 5.55pm, Sawyers Bay 5.50pm,
Port Chalmers Upper 6.00pm, Mihiwaka 6.15pm, Purakaunui 6:17pm,
Osborne 6.20pm,

Michies Crossing 6.25pm, Waitati ARRIVE 6.30pm

(After a 45 minute stayover, return trip departs for Dunedin 7.30pm,
arriving 8.10pm)

CAR FREE DAY COMMUTER TRAIN updated timetable

This is the very latest train timetable, thanks to Grant Craig for
providing the updated times.

Please note the slightly later evening departure from Dunedin and the
availability of travel on the 'empty' trips before and after the
commute. Ideal for those wanting a dawn or evening excursion. The
train will spend about 45 minutes at Waitati on the evening run, this
is to coordinate with a freight train going the other way.

We acknowledge the assistance of Community Trust of Otago, Dunedin
City Council Small Grants Fund, Waikouaiti Coast Community Board and
Chalmers Community Board for financial support for this venture.

We look forward to seeing you all on the train.

Peter Dowden
Get the Train

Timetable:

(Outward train departs Dunedin 6.40am, arriving Waitati 7.20am. The
public may travel on this service)

COMMUTER TRAIN DEPART Waitati 7.40am, Michies Crossing 7.45am, Osborne
7.55am, Purakaunui 8.00am, Mihiwaka 8.05am, Port Chalmers Upper
8.10am, Sawyers Bay 8.15am, Maia 8.25am, ARRIVE Dunedin 8.40am
...

COMMUTER TRAIN DEPART Dunedin 5.45pm, Maia 5.55pm, Sawyers Bay 5.50pm,
Port Chalmers Upper 6.00pm, Mihiwaka 6.15pm, Purakaunui 6:17pm,
Osborne 6.20pm,

Michies Crossing 6.25pm, Waitati ARRIVE 6.30pm

(After a 45 minute stayover, return trip departs for Dunedin 7.30pm,
arriving 8.10pm)

--
--
Peter Dowden
26 Park Rd, Warrington, Otago 9449
+64-3-482 2441 (mornings only)
+64 21 137 2129 (mobile; occasionally switched on!)

Vote for public transport, Dunedin (follow the link):
http://www.causes.com/causes/521089?m=5068e905

Car Free Day ... 22 September 2010

Get The Train is chartering the Taieri Gorge train for Car Free Day on 22 September 2010.

We are fundraising to do so!  The Otago Community Trust have given us $500 and we need another $1,250.  We are applying to the DCC Small Grants fund, to Waikouaiti Coast Community Board and to Port Chalmers Community Board for funding also.

So far 4 North Coast schools are doing their best to organise a day out on the train!  Congratulations to them!

The more people on the train, the less fundraising needs to be done!  So can everybody tell everybody about the day and do your best to be on the train!

Timing similar to last time, but more detail out later.

Thank you so much!
Danielle

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from Get the Train group

getthetrain.blogspot.com

Another Train Update

Hi Everybody

We are still trying to attract funding for a commuter train for Car Free Day.  The DCC can't do it but the Transportation Planning Dept have given $2000 towards a feasibility study for a train.  We will meet with Sarah from the DCC Transport Planning Dept in June.  This is wonderful news and a real step forward for the train. If anybody would like to be involved, please ring Danielle on 482 1233. 

Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust has agreed to be the umbrella organisation for Get The Train and we thank them very much for welcoming us into the fold!

So we will continue to search for funding for Car Free Day.

If anybody has relevant material or data that may contribute to a feasibility study, could you call Danielle on 482 1233.
 
Thankyou     (You'll see that I caught the post this time!)

Danielle

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from Get the Train group

getthetrain.blogspot.com

Train update

This was meant to go to the post a couple of weeks ago, sorry:

The Walk2Work train was a resounding success with 235 people catching it into Dunedin and 155 home.  Thank you everybody for supporting it.

Now we would like a train for Car Free Day 22 Sept 2010!!  We need to get funding from the NZ Land Transport Authority for this.

We had a meeting with Charlotte Flaherty from the DCC, Grant and Lynette from Taieri Gorge who have been amazing organising the Walk2Work train.  We talked about doing our own feasibilty study for a train, developing a relationship with KiwiRail, organising continuing Walk2Work and Car Free day trains, or maybe combining one of these with the suburban rail day, fixing up stations along the route (Port Chalmers have a wonderful sign at Upper Port Chalmers station now) maybe we can put signs at the other stations.  We also talked about writing to MP's for support.

If anybody would like to help out writing letters and coming to meetings please call me - Danielle:  482 1233.

There is a review of the Regional Land Transport Strategy, for the next 30 years, going on now.  Submissions will be called for later this year by the ORC.  The Regional Public Transport Plan will be reviewed next year!  

So a bit to think about!

Best wishes,

Danielle

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from Get the Train group

getthetrain.blogspot.com

235 commuters take the morning train

235 commuters take the morning train

by 'Blueskin News' editors

At least two hundred and thirty-five commuters caught the morning
train from Waitati and Port Chalmers to Dunedin this Wednesday morning
in a one-day revival of rail commuting organised by the Dunedin City
Council, Taieri Gorge Railway and rail transport advocate group Get
the Train.

Final passenger numbers were still to be calculated from ticket sales,
train staff said.

Several children used the train to travel to Purakanui School, Port
Chalmers School and Dunedin Rudolf Steiner School (at Maia), while the
train was also popular with pupils of several Dunedin high schools.

Those arriving late to school were able to use the the train as an
excuse, because the outward empty trip from Dunedin was delayed by
Wellington train control, according to train staff.

There will be a return trip from Dunedin to the coastal towns this
evening, departing at 5.30pm.

GET THE TRAIN (column): Remember the train on 10 March

Photo: Passengers on one of last year's commuter trains.

GET THE TRAIN (column): Remember the train on 10 March

by Get the Train Group and Peter Dowden

The 'Walk2Work week' commuter train is just under two weeks away, on
Wednesday 10th March.  This is our chance to show that Dunedin's North
Coast communities want a train service, so make it a day, and please
pass the word on.

No bookings required, and the fare is just $5 cash each way on the
train. Bike compartment available (please help each other to load
bikes and board the train promptly; it is running to a very tight
schedule).

Timetable

Waitati                                 dep        7.40am

Michies Crossing                               7.45am

Osborne                                              7.55am

Purakaunui                                         8.00am

Mihiwaka                                            8.05am

Port Chalmers Upper                       8.10am

Sawyers Bay                                      8.15am

Maia                                                    8.25am

Dunedin                               arr          8.40am

Dunedin                               dep        5.30pm

Maia                                                     5.40pm

Sawyers Bay                                       5.50pm

Port Chalmers Upper                       6.00pm

Mihiwaka                                            6.15pm

Purakaunui                                         6:17pm

Osborne                                              6.20pm

Michies Crossing                               6.25pm

Waitati                                  arr          6.30pm

Get the Train Group is campaigning for safe, efficient regional train
services for Otago. More about Get the Train: getthetrain.blogspot.com

Remember the train!

Hi Everyone

Walk 2 work week with the commuter train is just over 2 weeks away, Wednesday 10th March.  This is our chance to show that North Coast Dunedin wants a train, make it a day, and please pass the word, send this email on.

No bookings required, $5 cash each way on the train.  Bike compartment available.  

Timetable as follows:

Waitati                                 dep        7.40am
Michies Crossing                               7.45am
Osborne                                              7.55am

Purakaunui                                         8.00am
Mihiwaka                                            8.05am
Port Chalmers Upper                       8.10am
Sawyers Bay                                      8.15am
Maia                                                    8.25am
Dunedin                               arr          8.40am

Dunedin                               dep        5.30pm
Maia                                                     5.40pm
Sawyers Bay                                       5.50pm
Port Chalmers Upper                       6.00pm
Mihiwaka                                            6.15pm

Purakaunui                                         6:17pm
Osborne                                              6.20pm
Michies Crossing                               6.25pm
Waitati                                  arr          6.30pm
 

                                    

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from Get the Train group

getthetrain.blogspot.com

Get the train to work on 10 March (Waitati ad)

Wednesday 10th March

Get the train to work from Waitati at 7.40am or Michies Crossing at
7.45am – then stop off at the Octagon for:

• Free breakfast

• Entertainment

• Guest Speakers

• Information Stalls

Go to www.walk2work.org.nz to make a walking pledge, enter our
competitions and find out what else is happening.

All aboard the March Commuter Train

All aboard the March Commuter Train

by the editors

The rail transport advocate group 'Get the Train' is planning another
one-day-only Waitati-Dunedin-Waitati commuter train service during
Walk 2 Work Week next month, on March 10, spokesperson Danielle
Cameron told 'Blueskin News'.

"We really want to pack this train out so put it in your diaries now
and tell people."

The group was having a meeting at the end of January to organise the
train service, Danielle said. The service would be operated by Taieri
Gorge Railway with the help of Dunedin City Council.

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