KiwiRail is considering a levy on commercial users following the impact of the Kaikoura earthquake.
If implemented the levy will be 15%, imposed from mid-February and would apply to commercial traffic in both directions.
The state-owned company told DIESELTalk consultation on the levy began in December.
“In December KiwiRail proposed an earthquake levy for commercial vehicle customers on its Interislander service following a review of the impacts of the Kaikoura earthquake on freight flows and operations,” a spokesperson says.
“This is in line with a commitment to continue to provide reliability, frequency and capacity across Cook Strait by offering customers multiple service options. This has been more critical than ever since the disruption to the transport corridor in the South Island.”
The spokesperson told DIESELtalk the levy will apply to all commercial road transport operators but tourism operators who are crossing with passengers are not affected.
“However, if tourism operators are crossing for commercial freight reasons such as vehicle relocations, they will be subject to the levy,” says the KiwiRail spokesperson.
“New and used car transport operators who move vehicles across the strait will be subject to the levy, as other commercial freight operators will be,” he says.
KiwiRail says it has asked the transport sector for feedback and that it will be reviewed in June, when the future of the main north rail line and State Highway one is more certain.
There is no indication on what the levy will be used for at this stage.
