“The performance statistics for Tranz Metro have steadily increased from 88 percent within 5 minutes in February this year when the new timetable was introduced,” says Tranz Metro Manager Scott Brooks.

“The 95 percent target is a tough goal, but hopefully passengers are starting to see improvements. The different elements of the upgrade starting to come together and the introduction of more Matangi into service are also having a positive effect on our on-time performance.”

There are now 14 two-car units available for service and another two being used for training.

“We’re starting to utilise the Matangi trains far more effectively and we’re working hard to train drivers to meet Matangi delivery expectations.

“We’re also working hard to recruit more Locomotive Engineers with a steady throughput of new drivers coming out of training in the coming months,” says Mr Brooks.

The Johnsonville line was the best performer with 96 percent of services on time, and the Kapiti line was next with 91 percent on time. The Upper Hutt line had 89 percent of its services on time, and services on the Wairarapa line had an 83 percent on-time performance rate.

“Improvements are slow but steady. This is a glimpse of where we want to be and it’s great for us knowing we can do it,” Mr Brooks says.

City.Mobi

Also in New Zealand today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Auckland.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Auckland.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.