25 January 2005

More train services on track after rail work complete

Extra train services will begin running across Auckland’s rail network next month, following the completion of a $23.2 million project to double-track the western rail line.

The construction scheme, which was started by the Auckland Regional Council in April last year and continued by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), progressively laid a second track between Mt Eden and Morningside. This will allow for more reliable and frequent services along the line.

The ARTA Chief Executive, Alan Thompson, says the western line improvements allow the introduction of more morning and evening peak services to and from West Auckland, while at the same time the timetable across the network is also being improved.

“The investment in rail by the region is starting to pay off. New trains have been coming online providing extra capacity, stations are steadily being upgraded, and passenger numbers are increasing. We can now offer rail passengers improved services, with further enhancements to come as ARTA and our regional partners continue to upgrade the region’s network”, Mr Thompson says.

As part of the timetable re-vamp services to Wiri Station in Manukau are being withdrawn so the southern line timetable can be streamlined.

“We understand the impact on passengers in Wiri, however withdrawing the station from the timetable will allow us to improve timekeeping on the southern line because trains no longer have to slow and stop at the station. It also means Manukau residents will have shorter travel times to and from Auckland city”, Mr Thompson says.

”Wiri station has the lowest patronage on the network, and removing it from the timetable is part of a wider plan to provide better, more frequent services as the rail network is upgraded.”

Trains will no longer stop at Wiri from 14 February, but the station platforms will remain in the event that the station is required again in the future. Alternative travel arrangements are available, and staff will be onsite at the station in the lead-up to the withdrawal to help passengers plan their new travel arrangements.

The western line double-tracking project was planned and managed by the Auckland Regional Council on behalf of the Crown, and then passed to its subsidiary organisation ARTA on 1 December 2004.

ARTA is progressing plans to continue double-tracking the western line.

The new rail timetable will begin on 14 February. New timetables and passenger information will be available from 1 February.

The new stretch of double tracking will be in use from Tuesday 1 February.

ENDS

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