From Morningside to Mozambique: Auckland's diesel trains shipped to Africa

15:19, Aug 25 2017
Eight Auckland Transport trains are on their way to the African city of Maputo.
AUCKLAND TRANSPORT
Eight Auckland Transport trains are on their way to the African city of Maputo.

The former backbone of Auckland's commuter rail network is heading to Africa.

Eight of Auckland's diesel trains are on a ship to Mozambique, where they will be used to transport passengers in the bustling city of Maputo. 

Auckland's rail commuters relied on diesel trains for 20 years until 2014, when they were retired to make way for electric trains throughout most of the city.

Auckland Transport's Brendon Main said the diesel trains had served Auckland well.
AUCKLAND TRANSPORT
Auckland Transport's Brendon Main said the diesel trains had served Auckland well.

Diesel trains are still in operation between Papakura and Pukekohe.

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Brendon Main, Auckland Transport's group manager of metro operations, said the trains had "served Auckland well".

Diesel trains were used across Auckland between 1994 and 2014.
AUCKLAND TRANSPORT
Diesel trains were used across Auckland between 1994 and 2014.

Selling the trains also helped to reduce Auckland Transport's costs, as they had been stored in Mount Maunganui since the new electric trains began operating, he said.

Maputo is a port city 12,000km away from Auckland. It has a population of about 1.7 million people.

The trains will find a new home in Mozambique's capital, Maputo.
GRANT NEUENBURG
The trains will find a new home in Mozambique's capital, Maputo.

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