Efforts were made to save the service prior to its cancellation, including an investigation made by Environment Waikato into the possibility of subsidising it. The Council, which at the time had a policy of not subsidising rail services, decided against providing funding at $400,000 pa, which was deemed to be too expensive. An approach was also made to the government for funding, especially in light of the subsidy that they had extended for the "Southerner", but this was also declined. West Coast Railway reported that the "Waikato Connection" was "the most unprofitable service" but that they would be prepared to consider retaining it with community support which they expected would be needed for about three years.