Launch of the Capital Connection 1991 and the JP wagons

 

In April 1991, NZ Rail Ltd (the Railways Corporation having had most of its assets transferred to the new SOE in 1990 and having it debts wiped), started a commercial passenger rail service between Wellington and Palmerston North, weekdays, for commuters. Using the Cityrail brand that had been adopted for all commuter services in Auckland and Wellington, the difference was this service was not subsidised or under contract with any regional council.  It was an initiative from NZ Rail Ltd to grow the passenger business. It was introduced with a mix of different 56ft cars taken from other services including the Northerner and Southerner (in the 4 abreast late 1980s refurbished layout) with on-board catering (much unlike other commuter services). The single day return train was targeting Palmerston North, the Horowhenua and Waikanae, as well as passengers from Paraparaumu who wanted a faster service.

The service was a commercial success encouraging Tranz Rail to import secondhand ex. British Rail Intercity Mk2 coaches to be refurbished to upgrade the capacity and secure the operation of the service until comparatively recently.

Above is the information leaflet for the service noting the fare for a single trip was $17 then ($36 in today's prices comparable to the $35 full fare today).

The Dominion editorial noted below that alcohol was available on the return evening service, warning that people needed to respect this and not ruin it for everyone else. The article on 25 June 1991 noted the service was a "hit", reporting trains are 90% full. If proven popular it was noted that a full breakfast might be offered, and that the Wairarapa service would also be improved.

Finally an unrelated article pictures JP class portal frame wagons noting how much more capacity and competitive the new wagons were.