Value of Rail
Rail networks have long played a critical role in the economic and social development of New Zealand and as such are a significant investment and cost to the country.
While we know the costs, there is an economic value of rail in New Zealand which is not captured in traditional profit and loss calculations.
These often hidden benefits are delivered to all New Zealanders through social, environmental and economic values which have been quantified in the Value of Rail in New Zealand report.
Benefits worth $1.7 billion - $2.1 billion
The 2021 report found that the total value of rail in New Zealand was estimated to be $1.70 billion - $2.14 billion each year, from:
- reduced congestion by taking cars and trucks off our roads
- reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution
- improved road safety, including fewer injuries and fatalities
- lower road maintenance costs for taxpayers
- fuel savings.
Please note: the figures in this graphic and the graphic below are mid points in a range and have been rounded.
A Huge Contribution
This conservative value measures what the economic impact would be on the roading network and New Zealand more broadly if rail disappeared tomorrow. The savings far exceed what the Government puts into rail each year.
Rail makes a huge contribution to New Zealand. Pre-Covid more than 35 million passenger journeys were taken on rail each year and 25 percent of our export goods travel by rail.
Rail is also an inherently environmentally friendly mode of transport, with 70 percent fewer carbon emissions than heavy road freight.
Imagine the impact on the number of cars and trucks on the road, and our environment if the rail network did not exist.
Downloads
EY's The Value of Rail in New Zealand 2021
