Mainland Rail
| Industry | Rail transport |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 |
| Headquarters | Christchurch, New Zealand , New Zealand |
Area served | New Zealand |
| Services | Passenger services |
| Website | www |
Mainland Rail Limited is a New Zealand railway company that operates rail passenger services in the South Island of New Zealand.
Background
[edit]The company was registered in 2023. The company is one-third owned by Pounamu Tourism Group.[1]
Proposed services
[edit]The company has announced it intends to operate a "special events express" in Christchurch, transporting people to Te Kaha Stadium during concerts and sporting events.[2] The first express service is expected to be for the April 2026 opening of the stadium, with the service carrying up to 5,700 passengers per event and travelling as far as Ashburton and Rangiora.
Central Christchurch platform
[edit]In November 2025, The Press newspaper reported that Mainland Rail was working alongside "private partners" and Christchurch City Council to construct a central city platform, by the Moorhouse Avenue and Colombo Street overbridge.[3] KiwiRail also said it was engaged in technical discussions for a new station, and for monthly slots in the track timetable for an event service.[3]
Crusaders Express
[edit]In March 2026, Mainland Rail, telecommunications company 2 Degrees and the Crusaders rugby union franchise announced the "Crusaders Express" service, commencing 24 April 2026 with a service from Rolleston Station to a temporary platform at Pilgrim Place. Future services are planned for Crusaders games at the new Te Kaha stadium.[4]
Rolling stock
[edit]The company has purchased the 10 sets of the former Auckland Transport ADL/ADC class diesel multiple units, and the former KiwiRail owned Capital Connection S class carriages.[2][5]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Mainland Rail Limited". Companies Office. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- 1 2 "Greater Christchurch on track for "events express"". www.thepress.co.nz. The Press. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- 1 2 Sinead Gill (24 November 2025). "Case for Christchurch 'Events Express' train stacking up". The Press. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
- ↑ "Crusaders, 2degrees and Mainland Rail team up to launch Crusaders Express to deliver fans in style to home games". Crusaders. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
- ↑ "Mainland Rail". 12 August 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.