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The Labour-led government's buyback of the rail system was influenced by Toll's plan to close a number of provincial rail services, including the Picton to Christchurch freight and passenger services, Christchurch MP Tim Barnett said today.

During negotiations with Toll last year, the Australian rail operator told the government it could axe a number of provincial rail services if the government did not give Toll the full subsidy they were seeking.  The list of services - known as Plan B during the negotiations - included the Picton to Christchurch freight and passenger services.

Christchurch MP Tim Barnett said that the National Party and its leader John Key need to come clean on why they oppose the government's rescue of the Picton to Christchurch freight and passenger services.

"It's clear that our rail service was on the chopping block," Tim Barnett said.  "We all know how vital rail is to our region's economy.

"The Labour-led government refused to allow our rail services to be closed and bought back the rail for all New Zealanders.  John Key and the National Party are opposed to the government's rescue plan - they need to front up to our people and explain why.

"The Labour-led government will make the investments to make sure that all existing rail services are protected under KiwiRail, which had its first day of operation yesterday

"That's great news for the Picton to Christchurch freight and passenger services and for our local economy." 

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