KiwiRail is asking the Northland Regional Council to buy new wagons for it to preserve the future of rail freight in the region.
The Northland - Auckland line is to be "mothballed" next June unless freight increases and becomes "profitable".
But with low-floor wagons, KiwiRail says trains could get modern containers through small tunnels on the old line, and attract new business.
Chief executive Jim Quinn says KiwiRail can't afford to buy the wagons [read Steven Joyce won't let them buy new wagons], and Northland people must decide if they will invest in the line.
The Save Our Rail group says KiwiRail should not have to ask ratepayers for new wagons, but the joint venture proposal has merit.
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