Following an increased number of potential safety incidents, Great Journeys of New Zealand has temporarily closed the outdoor viewing carriages on its trains.
The company runs three trains. The Northern Explorer runs between Auckland and Wellington; the Coastal Pacific runs daily throughout the summer from Christchurch to Picton; and the TranzAlpine runs between Christchurch and Greymouth.
In a statement, the company said:
In recent months, we’ve seen more passengers placing themselves in danger by leaning out of the viewing carriage to take photographs. The safety of our passengers is hugely important and despite a number of safety signs and announcements on board our trains, we’re still seeing this happen and can’t risk the possibility of an incident.
We’re sorry that our passengers won’t be able to use these outdoor carriages while a solution is found. Our trains will continue to tow the outdoor viewing carriages as the train’s generator which powers train systems such as lighting, refrigeration and air-conditioning is carried on there.
