22 September 2004
More Trains Mean Extra Commuter Services
Southern Rail Line passengers will soon benefit from the introduction of more trains onto the network through extra
morning services to and from the city.
The two trial services, which run between Otahuhu and Britomart on weekday mornings, are being introduced to relieve
the pressure from growing passenger numbers.
The Chair of the Auckland Regional Council Passenger Transport Committee, Councillor Catherine Harland, says new SA
Trains which started coming online from April 23, as well as an ongoing driver training programme, mean capacity
problems can gradually be addressed on the network.
“The ARC is re-building up to 10 new SA Trains by 2006, as well as leading ongoing improvements to many elements of the
rail network."
“The new passenger rail services operator, Connex, and the ARC, have reviewed increasing passenger numbers along the
Southern and Eastern Rail Lines, and have identified this as an opportunity to provide extra capacity in a high demand
area. The two extra services will add more seats in the mornings, and will help ease congestion, particularly along the
Eastern Line”.
Cr Harland says the ARC and Connex will continue to work together to improve the delivery of passenger rail services.
“We are both constantly reviewing ways to enhance the delivery of rail services, and over time passengers will see
gradual improvements as more trains are delivered and infrastructure is upgraded, including the Western Line double
tracking”.
The two trial services start running on Monday 27 September.
The new service into the city leaves Otahuhu at 7:30 am and arrives at Britomart at 7:51 am, travelling along the
Eastern Line. The service out of the city leaves Britomart at 7:57 am and arrives at Otahuhu at 8:20 am, and runs along
the Southern Line only. The services will appear on printed timetables following the next scheduled timetable re-print
early next year. Passengers can find out more by calling Rideline on 09 366 6400, or visiting www.rideline.co.nz.
ENDS