26 May 2004

Trains to no longer stop at Auckland’s Southdown Station from May 30

From May 30 trains will no longer stop at Southdown station as a result of safety issues recently identified.

The decision was made by Auckland Regional Council after consultation with Auckland Regional Transport Network Limited (ARTNL), Auckland City Council (ACC) and Tranz Metro. Timing of the service withdrawal has been brought forward following new information from ARTNL which identifies use of the station footbridge creates an unacceptable safety risk due to structural decay over time.

While the ARC, ARTNL and ACC would like to have given customers more notice of the withdrawal of services and closure of the footbridge, there is a need to act responsibly in the interests of passenger safety.

Historically, Southdown Station is one of the least used stations on the Auckland network. While many more people have been using rail over the last year, trips to/from Southdown have declined and currently only about 40 people use the station on weekdays.

As well as the personal safety of passengers who use the footbridge, there are concerns over the need to cross an unprotected freight siding to access the footbridge and the state of pedestrian accessways leading to the station.

It is appreciated that for people who do use the service, the change will cause inconvenience however safety issues are a paramount concern. Information about alternative public transport options will be available through Rideline ph 3666 400 or at www.rideline.co.nz. MAXX ambassadors will be at the station on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to assist people and notices advising of the service withdrawal will be erected at the station.

ENDS

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