KiwiRail is asking Northland Regional Council to buy new wagons to preserve the future of rail in the region.
The Northland - Auckland line is to be mothballed next June unless freight increases and becomes profitable.
But with low-floor wagons, KiwiRail says trains could get modern containers through small tunnels on the old line, and attract new business.
Chief executive Jim Quinn says KiwiRail can't afford to buy the wagons, and Northland people must decide if they will invest in the line.
The Save Our Rail group says KiwiRail should not have to ask ratepayers for new wagons, but the joint venture proposal has merit.
