Auckland is being asked to provide future backing for the evolution of Te Huia regional train service which operates from Hamilton to Auckland.
The Waikato Regional Council (WRC) has made its pitch to Auckland councillors on the day it unveiled an expanded timetable for the passenger train which is halfway through a five-year trial.
The council wants Auckland to eventually help house a train overnight, to enable an early morning departure southward, and some funding to reflect growing use by Aucklanders.
However, while councillors at the Transport and Infrastructure Committee were mostly positive about Te Huia, mayor Wayne Brown and councillor Maurice Williamson, were harshly critical.
