Wairarapa Line updates

Disruptions & Detours Staff & Operators

Metlink, Transdev and KiwiRail are committed to providing a good quality public transport network for everyone. When disruptions occur, we are committed to communicating why and giving customers the resources they need to plan ahead to get where they need to go.

This webpage provides an overview for Wairarapa Line customers, who were impacted by Transdev staff shortages between May and September 2025.

In our commitment to keep customers informed, we provided situation reports which detailed the Wairarapa Line’s performance each week, as well as any planned activities, to ensure transparency and accountability. We are no longer providing these weekly reports as the staffing issues have now been resolved.

We are committed to keeping customers informed as KiwiRail continues to make necessary infrastructure upgrades to this line. Check out our Planned Rail Closures page for all upcoming works: Planned Rail Closures » Metlink(external link)

Air quality testing

KiwiRail commissioned independent experts Air Matters to assess the air quality on Wairarapa trains, following reports of visible dust onboard services caused by works in the Remutaka Tunnel earlier this year. 

The results of air quality testing found respirable dust levels below 10 per cent of the WorkSafe Exposure Standards, and respirable crystalline silica was ‘undetectable’.

Based on these findings, it is safe for passengers to travel on Wairarapa Line services, and daily cleaning of train cabins and air conditioning filters are effectively minimising the risk of dust and respirable crystalline silica. 

Greater Wellington regional councillors, Metlink, its rail operator Transdev Wellington and KiwiRail understand the frustration caused by recent delays on the Wairarapa Line, and we want to assure our passengers that we are committed to restoring the reliability of train services as soon as possible.

Contractual agreements

Metlink and Transdev Wellington’s Rail Partnering Contract is designed to deliver a sustainable transport model with an expectation of quality service for passengers, and a commitment to run scheduled services by train or bus replacement, as required. The contract is in place until 2031 and is not currently under review. To view the Transdev contract, visit Greater Wellington — Public transport contracts.(external link)