Rail Transport in New Zealand - Industry Research Report

Bumpy track: Easing pandemic restrictions have prompted industry revenue growth

Rail transport revenue is expected to increase at a compound annual rate of 1.3% over the five years through 2022-23, to $527.6 million. Rail freight plays an important role in transporting bulk goods across the country and to and from New Zealand ports. However, the industry's capacity has struggled to account for a larger share of the country's freight task, which was accelerated by the COVID-19 outbreak, which temporarily restricted the transport of certain goods, including forestry products. However, a strong rebound in freight volumes, driven by a sharp increase in import and export activity volume in New Zealand, has boosted revenue. This trend has been partially offset by the effects of COVID-19 on passenger volumes in the commuter rail segment of the industry. However, as restrictions related to the pandemic are fully lifted, a recovery in passenger volumes is expected to contribute to a 1.9% increase in revenue in the current year.

Industry operators provide freight and passenger rail transport. This excludes railway terminal operation, tramway transport and private railroads used internally by companies.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.