KiwiRail will be working with Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) to ensure that requests for tenders for the new Auckland electric multiple units can be issued as soon as possible, KiwiRail Chief Executive Jim Quinn said today following the announcement by the Government of funding for the new trains.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce said the confirmation of funding will enable the process of buying the new trains to start next year with a view to them being introduced onto the network from 2013.

"We are currently assembling a team to manage the procurement process," said Mr Quinn. "Our first task will be to review the information that has already been gathered and then get a Request for Tender document into the market place.

"We expect to be in a position to do this early next year and to award a tender before the end of the year.

"We will be working closely with ARTA to deliver greatly improved rail services to Auckland rail users. We are excited by the opportunity to extend the work we have already been doing on improving Auckland rail infrastructure."

Since 2006, KiwiRail through its infrastructure division ONTRACK, has been working on a number of projects designed to improve the frequency and reliability of urban rail services. These have included the double-tracking of the Western Line between Swanson and Newmarket, the building of a rail trench through New Lynn, the re-development of Newmarket junction and station and a rail link to Manukau city centre.

KiwiRail has also been working on the electrification of the network between Swanson and Papakura.