Capital Connection

The Capital Connection train is a combination of long-distance transport between Palmerston North and Wellington on the North Iceland Main Trunk Railway route in New Zealand. It is operated by the railway company Kiwi Rail Scenic Journeys. The train service has existed since April 15, 1991 and was originally called City Rail Express.

Traffic and stops

The train runs Monday to Friday, and is designed primarily for long-distance commuters to Wellington. It runs in the morning from Palmerston North to Wellington and back in the evening, the journey takes just over two hours. He uses the following hold:

• Palmerston North
• Shannon
• Levin
• Otaki
• Waikanae
• Paraparaumu
• Wellington

In the summer of 1994, tried to offer on this route also a weekend connection, but this was soon discontinued due to lack of demand again.

Locomotives and rolling stock

Originally, the rolling stock of NZR standard car was (56 feet), since 1999, come eight cars of the type British Rail Mark2 used. These are three feet longer than the old car and also more spacious and have air conditioning. There are both compartment and open seating car. Usually the train is covered with two diesel locomotives of the New Zealand series DC.