Rail problems & solutions in Wellington

Anyone been affected by the industrial action over the last few days?

Hasn't really affected me, as I've been catching fairly early trains in on the J'ville line. It sort of made me grin a little, actually- my wife caught a peak hour train in to town a few hours later, fully expecting London Underground style, tinned, preserved passengers- but a total of three people were standing in her carriage. Shock horror! I wonder if Wellingtonians expectations of their trains are too high, or if Londoner's expectations of their trains are too low? A little of both I suspect.

Anyway, I think the rail network in Wellington is pretty good for what it is, the trains have plenty of room and they're pretty regular when the workers are happy. But it seems really disjointed- it all goes from the main station northbound? Is there no need for a service through to the airport and eastern/southern suburbs? Surely more people would leave their cars at home if they didn't have to drag their luggage off a train and onto a connecting taxi/bus? I know I would personally use any public transport service more often if it could get me the whole way across town in one go. Thoughts?

There's an interesting blog & discussion here:

external link ]

Forums: The Bar,

The answer to Wellington's rail problem is the answer to all transportation problems of all cities. Build a monorail system. Monorails are awesome.

Totally.
Nah, build a log flume ride- THAT would be awesome. Make it go through Te Papa, and then when it gets to Mt Vic Tunnel, put a gigantic scarey drop in it that races you out the other side.