Major increase in Auckland’s passenger rail services
A new rail timetable with a 25 per cent overall increase in train services, extended late nights on Friday and Saturday
and, for the first time in at least 40 years, regular Sunday services, will be implemented on Tuesday 25 October by the
Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) with their operating partner Connex Auckland.
Chief Executive, (ARTA) Alan Thompson says, “Introducing more train services, especially on Sundays, represents a major
step towards bringing Auckland’s public transport services in line with comparable international cities. Just like
people in other countries, Aucklanders can start to really enjoy the benefits of travelling by train - whether they are
commuting to work, going shopping, watching rugby or a family outing there will be more rail service to suit their
needs.”
“ARTA is focussed on increasing the frequency, reliability, quality and use of public transport in Auckland. We are
continuing to see strong growth in rail use, with patronage hitting a record high in August. This increase reflects
improvements implemented to date. However there is still more work to be done and we continue to work with key rail
stakeholders and funders to further improve the rail network and progress ARTA’s vision for its electrification and
expansion.
“This increase in services has been made possible through the continued investment in developing Auckland’s rail
infrastructure. ARTA has increased carrying capacity by introducing more refurbished and remanufactured trains to the
network and is working with ONTRACK to complete the second Stage of the Western Line double tracking project.
“In developing Auckland’s rail network, ARTA is also committed to upgrading the railway stations. We are working in
partnership with Auckland Regional Transport Network Ltd (ARTNL) on implementing a major upgrade of our stations,” Mr
Thompson said.
General Manager, Connex Auckland Chris White says, “The new timetable represents a significant step forward for the
passenger rail experience in Auckland. We hope that passengers will take advantage of new services on the network which
offer extended hours and more choice. The new timetable has been developed in partnership with ARTA to reflect the
current operating conditions on the network and will maximise the use of additional trains and drivers. We look forward
to the continuation of system enhancements and additional trains which will allow us to further develop service
offerings in the coming years.”
As more trains will be running at different times, and as new Sunday trains are introduced, Mr White also cautioned the
public to take extra care at stations, level crossings, pedestrian crossings and near the rail corridor, especially with
children, during the transition period.
In conjunction with the new timetable being introduced services will be withdrawn from Mangere station. This is due to
consistently low patronage and the proximity of two alternative stations (Middlemore and Otahuhu stations which are
within 1km of Mangere station). This will help to increase the efficiency of the network. Four southbound services will
continue to stop at the station in term time only to accommodate the large numbers of school pupils using the morning
service.
Timetables are available to download from www.maxx.co.nz. From 14 October 2005 copies will be available at Britomart
Transport Centre, Papakura station or local ticket agencies. To find out about the new services or to order a hard copy
of the new timetables customers should call MAXX on 366 6400. The Connex Auckland ticket office at Britomart will open
on Sundays from October 30 2005.
Ends