The group that successfully lobbied for a commuter train service from Hamilton to Auckland says there are several aspects that are key to its success.
Northerner train at Hamilton train station. Photo: RNZ / Andrew McCrae
A five-year trial is expected to start in early 2020 and cost $78.2 million.
The government, through the Transport Agency will contribute $68.4m and local authorities; Waikato Regional, Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils will pay $9.8m.
The service will start in Hamilton and end at Papakura where passengers will change to Auckland city trains.
The Rail Opportunity Network (TRON) spokesperson Susan Trodden said it was important the message got out on why it would be important to use the train.
"Those concepts of health and safety, productivity, the ability to get from one place to another without having to negotiate a transport system on motorways when the roads ae getting more clogged then I think that will be key to a success."
She said she felt the service would start with a flurry of interested people.
"There will be some people who will say 'no this doesn't work for me'."
Ms Trodden said it was important that things around the edges were done well.
"Marketed well, facilities available to people on the train are good quality that the ticketing system is simple and seamless."
Ms Trodden said she believed there were many people in leadership roles who were committed to making the service a success.
"A five-year commitment to the project is longer than we expected and shows leadership and a realistic time commitment to get the service going really, really well."