Ōtaki has been identified as a future growth area on the Kāpiti Coast. It is central to a strategy of diversifying and building the Kāpiti Coast economy. And yet there is no rail service apart from the twice daily Capital Connection. Ōtaki residents are highly dependent on car transport.
The Capital Connection, run by KiwiRail is a commercial service which has ironically come under increased pressure due to the extension of the electrified commuter rail service to Waikanae. Continued advocacy to maintain the service is essential.
Extension of the regular commuter rail service to Ōtaki is not currently part of the Wellington Regional Council’s rail plan – apparently not even in the long term. Ōtaki is the only community in the Wellington region on the rail line which does not have access to regional rail services. Advocacy around the establishment of this service is a key project.
Contact for Information: Chris Papps, Ōtaki Community Board member: Sue Hurst, Senior Advisor, Kāpiti Coast District Council.