11 October, 2006

This weekend’s big games – use public transport

Special train and regular bus services are at hand to take rugby fans to this weekend’s big games, helping them avoid the expense of driving and hassle of finding a park. To choose which service best suits them, fans can call MAXX on (09) 366 6400 or visit www.maxx.co.nz.

ARTA Acting Chief Executive Elena Trout, said, “League and Union fans alike can choose from many transport options to get to the weekend’s games. Many fans are already avoiding traffic queues and enjoying the freedom taking public transport to and from the games brings. Anyone who hasn’t taken a bus or train to a game should give it a go.”

Ms Trout says offering integrated transport and more choice of services is consistent with ARTA’s plans to develop the region’s public transport system to better suit Aucklanders. She highlights that the region’s agencies with transport responsibilities are working together to continually improve the transport network’s efficiency.

An overview of public transport to and from the weekend’s games:

Air NZ Cup Rugby, semi final: Auckland vs Wellington
Eden Park: Friday 13 October 2006, kick-off 7:35pm

Aucklanders can choose from 18 different bus and train routes, and many more services to get to Eden Park:
Bus services
Any bus that runs along New North Road, Sandringham Road or Dominion Road stops within a five minute walk to Eden Park. These include:
- New North Road: 210, 211, 215, 212, 223, 224
- Sandringham Road: 233, 241, 243, 248, 249
- Dominion Road: 256, 258, 267
- The crosstown 006 service from St Lukes to Newmarket
- Two special match evening services:
- Free neighbourhood shuttle running a local loop service (call MAXX or visit www.MAXX.co.nz for more details)
- A special Stagecoach bus service will operate from the central city to Eden Park and return (call MAXX or visit www.MAXX.co.nz for more details).

Train services (stopping at Kingsland Station) from:
- CBD* (Britomart Transport Centre, next to the Downtown Ferry Terminal) – Any train heading West to Waitakere/New Lynn
- West* (Waitakere/New Lynn) – any train heading into Britomart Transport Centre
- South/ East (Papakura, Glen Innes) - change at Newmarket or Britomart Transport Centre for any train heading West to Waitakere/New Lynn
- Please note that special return services will be provided after the game leaving Kingsland for the CBD at 9:52pm and for West at 9:56pm.

2006 Tri-Nations Series: New Zealand Kiwis vs Australian Kangaroos
Mt. Smart Stadium: Saturday 14 October 2006, kick-off 7:45pm

Aucklanders can choose from five different bus and train routes, and many more services to get within a 10-15 minute walk to Mt Smart Stadium:
Train services (stopping at Penrose Station) from:
- CBD (Britomart Transport Centre, next to the Downtown Ferry Terminal) – Any train heading South via Newmarket
- West** (Henderson) – change at Newmarket or Britomart for any train heading South via Otahuhu
- South (Papakura) – any train heading North to Britomart Transport Centre via Otahuhu. Please note a special service from Pukekohe will also be departing for Penrose station at 6.15pm and returning at 9.45pm
- East (Glen Innes) - change at Britomart Transport Centre for any train heading South via Newmarket or head to Otahuhu and take any train heading North via Newmarket
Bus services (along Great South Road) from:
- CBD: 417, 472, 487, 497 – nearest stop is Great South Road, next to Penrose Train Station and the stadium is a 10 – 15 minute walk from there.
- South, Otahuhu Transport Centre: 417, 472, 487, 497 – nearest stop is Great South Road, next to Penrose Train Station and the stadium is a 10 – 15 minute walk from there.

Normal fares apply for all services, and passengers are encouraged to get to the stadiums early and enjoy the pre-match entertainment. For more information, including timetables and a recommendation of the best route passengers can call MAXX on (09) 366 6400 or visit www.maxx.co.nz

* Two additional trains are running on the Western Line out to New Lynn and to Britomart
**Trains will replace buses for the journey between Waitakere and New Lynn on Saturday 14 October

ENDS

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