Mayor welcomes Tramways Trust progress

Published on 04 October 2013

4 October 2013

Mayor Annette Main today said the Tramways Wanganui Trust is making positive progress toward getting the restored No.12 Tram operating for public use.

“The Trust has some new and enthusiastic Trustees with specialist skills who have joined the experienced team led by Jim Auker as Acting Chair of the Trust,” Mayor Main said.

“I understand that the Trust has recently made a number of key decisions and work is currently progressing well on a draft Safety Case for the ongoing operation of the tram on the new tracks along the riverfront and to ensure the safety of the public.”

The Safety Case is due to be considered by the Trust at its AGM in October. Once adopted, the Trust will be able to seek licensing from New Zealand Transport Agency for the ongoing operation of the tram.

Work is also under way on fully developing the design for the overhead electrical system which the tram will run on.

“So much hard work and commitment has gone into restoring the tram and establishing the first stage of the tram tracks and it is encouraging to know that the Trust is making good progress toward getting the tram operational for passengers,” Mayor Main said.

“In addition, the ownership of the tram is being restructured. The Tramways Wanganui Trust will continue to be responsible for the maintenance and operations of the tram service. However, the Council is establishing a separate ownership trust to safeguard the tram for the people of our district.”