ARTA Media Release
23 August 2007

Seventh redeveloped train station in one year period opens for Auckland commuters

The seventh redeveloped or upgraded train station to open in Auckland in a one year period, opens for service at Papakura this Sunday, 26 August. Other stations include Glen Eden, Sylvia Park, Panmure, Henderson, Sunnyvale and Fruitvale. Four more train stations are scheduled to be redeveloped on Auckland’s rail network over the next six months.

The old Papakura station will close after the last scheduled service this Saturday 25 August but will still be available for the purchase of tickets.

The station will be officially opened by the Minister for Transport, the Honourable Annette King and the Mayor of Papakura, John Robertson, at a ceremony at the station at 3.30pm tomorrow afternoon, 24 August.

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority’s (ARTA) Chief Executive, Fergus Gammie says, “The redeveloped station features a six car length extended platform to allow longer trains to pass through in the future to manage forecast patronage increases on the network Currently 3,000 passengers on a week-day travel through the station. Patronage is expected to grow by a third from Papakura over the next four to five years.

“A new footbridge with a lift has also been constructed to replace the use of the old footbridge which is in poor condition.

“The new station offers train passengers a much more comfortable waiting environment, with good shelter, modern seating, customer information and improved lighting – all designed to improve commuters travel experience.

“The modern glass shelters will provide better visibility, and the upgraded CCTV security monitoring system and new emergency help point will increase the sense of security for waiting train passengers.

“Such enhancements are being steadily introduced by ARTA across Auckland’s passenger transport network. People are already switching on to the benefits and we are experiencing very strong growth in rail patronage which has increased by a very significant 130% over the past four years”, says Mr Gammie.

Other improvements include an upgraded public address and information system, safety markings and yellow tactile strips for the visually impaired along the edge of the platform, and information display units with clear timetable information and wayfinding maps.

Auckland Regional Council Chairman, Michael Lee says, “Papakura people are some of our most loyal train patrons. It’s a pleasure to be able to give them quality facilities”.

The new facilities, which cost $4.9 million in total, are the result of a partnership between Papakura District Council, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and Auckland Regional Transport Network Limited.

Clear signage will be in place at Papakura station to ensure that passengers know where to catch their train from.

Passengers can get more information about the new train station and rail services to Papakura from MAXX on (09) 366 6400 or at www.maxx.co.nz

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