Tranz Rail announced in October 2000 that it intended to exit the passenger rail business to concentrate on its freight interests. The new owner of Tranz Scenic, two directors of West Coast Railway in Australia, had limited purchase funds, and so were only prepared to purchase the most profitable services, prompting Tranz Rail to terminate those services that were not purchased, including the "Waikato Connection". It was officially cancelled on 7 October 2001 along with the "Geyserland Express", the "Kaimai Express", and the "Bay Express". A replacement Tranz Metro service between Auckland and Pukekohe commenced the following day.