Cycles on Trains Policy

Effective from 1 April 2011

Introduction

Greater Wellington is committed to supporting sustainable transport options wherever possible. 

Greater Wellington recognises that cycling to and from train stations provides a door-to-door transport solution for a growing number of public transport users and is keen to support this travel option through the provision of cycles storage at stations and where practical the carriage of cycles on trains.

Passenger train services are provided by a variety of train types, each with different capacities for bicycle carriage.  As a consequence some conditions of carriage are train type specific.

The following policy sets out the conditions under which bicycles can be carried on trains on the Metlink network.

Conditions of carriage

Folding cycles

• Compact, fully folding cycles will be carried at all times and on all trains, providing they are folded down before boarding the train. Folding bikes must not exceed the dimensions of 82cm long x 69cm high x 39cm wide.  They must have wheel rims no more than 51cm in diameter.  Folding cycles will be carried on board by the cyclist.

Cycles other than folding cycles

General conditions

• Cycles will be carried free, and without reservations, on a first come, first served basis.  Neither TranzMetro nor Greater Wellington guarantees that space will be available for all cycles.
• Neither Greater Wellington Regional Council nor TranzMetro accept responsibility for loss or damage to cycles or damage caused by cycles.
• In case of an emergency all cycles must remain on the train.
• Cycles will not be allowed on buses that are replacing trains.
• Cycles will not be carried on trains set aside for events.  This includes timetabled services to and from events as well as any additional services provided

Loading and storage – Matangi trains

• Cycles will be stored in the designated cycle area only and will be loaded and restrained by the cyclist and not the TranzMetro staff
• A maximum of three cycles will be carried in each two car set.  Cycles must not obstruct doors or aisles and must be secured in the designated area using the straps provided.
• Train staff may use their discretion to accept child cycles or combinations of adult and child cycles totalling more than three cycles when they can be safely stored in the designated area.

Loading and storage – GanzMavag trains

• Cycles will be stored in the dog box by TranzMetro staff. Cyclists must pass their cycle to a staff member in the dog box and should be available to lift their cycle down when it is passed to them at their destination.
• A maximum of two cycles will be carried in the dog box of every two car set.  Cycles must not obstruct doors or aisles. Passenger luggage has equal call on the dog box space. Cycles can only be carried if the necessary space for safe carriage has not already been allocated to luggage.
• Train staff may use their discretion to accept child cycles or combinations of adult and child cycles totalling more than two cycles when they can be safely stored in the designated area.

Loading and storage – Wairarapa trains

• Cycles will be stored in the luggage compartment and cyclists must speak to train staff before loading their cycle
• Cycles can only be carried if the necessary space for safe carriage has not already been allocated to luggage.

Priorities on Matangi trains

• Passengers seated in the designated cycle area of the Matangi trains must vacate their seats to accommodate the cycle/s when cycles are carried.

Exclusions from Matangi trains

• Cycles will be excluded from the following scheduled Monday to Friday services where these services are being provided by a Matangi train:

Kapiti Line        

Hutt Line           

GanzMavag services

• TranzMetro and Greater Wellington will endeavour to provide a Ganz Mavag train on the following services:

Kapiti Line

Hutt Line

• Cyclists must accept that if they are travelling in the peak direction in the peak exclusion period they cannot board any service being provided by a Matangi train.

Guidelines for cyclists

• Try and travel in the off-peak period.
• Be considerate of fellow commuters.  Let others board first.  This reduces the chance of somebody tripping over your cycle.
• Please walk alongside your cycle at stations and on platforms.
• Cycles must be clean.
• Ensure owner identification is attached to your cycle.