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 were first quantified in 2016 by professional services firm EY. They have now updated The Value of Rail in New Zealand report to reflect rail’s growing contribution. You can read the updated report here.
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; and fuel savings.