Re-Introducing the new Coastal Pacific
KiwiRail's Scenic train service between Christchurch and Picton resumes under a new name - Coastal Pacific.
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KiwiRail's Tranz Scenic passenger service between Christchurch and Picton resumed on 15 August 2011, it did so under a new name - Coastal Pacific, the name the train was given in the early stages of its inception.
Coastal Pacific is the name the train was known as from late 1980s until TranzRail' rebranded the name to TranzCoastal in 1997 to fit their own corporate identity.
"The intention of the name change is to give the Coastal service a lift and an identity of its own, so it can come out of the shadow of the better known TranzAlpine service," says KiwiRail's Chief Executive Jim Quinn.
Mr Quinn says that while the decision to suspend the service following the Christchurch earthquake for almost six months was a difficult one, it minimised financial losses during the low season. He says KiwiRail has always been focused on resuming the service.
"We know this rail journey is well regarded internationally and is a tourist attraction, and we have always wanted to provide confidence for our staff and the public and be part of the upswing in passenger numbers for the summer period and for Rugby World Cup."
The new identity isn’t the only injection of life the service will receive, with the new AK purpose built scenic carriages introduced on the line just two months later.
KiwiRail's Hillside Workshop built the new carriages, which feature 52 square metres of glass in panoramic side and roof windows, ceiling mounted HD screens, GPS triggered at-seat commentary, and new licensed cafe cars.
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Coastal Pacific
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Experience a journey along the edge of the world. The new carriages on the Coastal Pacific line have huge panorama windows, comfier interiors, a new café menu and bar, and a guided audio commentary. See seals, rolling hills and sky-touching peaks.
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