The Mayor of Christchurch is looking forward to a future with a passenger rail service to connect the greater city and beyond

Mainland Rail's proposed 'Event's Express' service is gaining momentum, with staff meeting the City Council next month to discuss details.

They're aiming to shift up to six thousand people per event from Rolleston, Rangiora and Ashburton.

Mayor Phil Mauger says the council wants to support ideas like this - that make Christchurch a point of difference.