KiwiRail's sole track evaluation car (pictured) broke down last month, causing widespread disruption across Wellington's passenger train network. Photo: KiwiRail
An Australian company is looking at coming to the rescue of KiwiRail by supplying it with a supplementary machine that checks train tracks.
KiwiRail's EM80 machine, which is used to evaluate rail tracks, needed urgent repairs last weekend, compounding mass disruption to Wellington's passenger trains.
KiwiRail said just yesterday that having two such machines would be a waste of $20m of taxpayer money.
"One piece of equipment is adequate," it said.
It also said it could not lease a temporary back-up from Australia because the track gauge was different, and when asked it did not say if it had gone looking further afield to lease a back-up.
But Plasser Australia - part of the Austrian company Plasser and Theurer - told RNZ today: "Plasser Australia is currently investigating options with KiwiRail for a supporting track evaluation vehicle that could be made available within five to six months, to assist with inspection and compliance requirements."
KiwiRail ran a six-month-long tender last year to get a whole new machine, but said it would not be delivered until 2026 or 2027.
Plasser Australia added that it had also helped KiwiRail with technical support to get the existing track evaluation car going.