ARTA Media Release

29 November 2007

ARTA adds later and more frequent train services to Auckland’s network

As rail patronage in Auckland continues its rapid increase, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) announced today it will introduce later and more frequent train services from 2 December.

ARTA's General Manager, Customer Services, Mark Lambert says, “Train patronage in Auckland has grown 130% over the past four years as ARTA, with its operator Veolia, has worked to improve timetables, frequency of services and reliability.

“The rapid growth of patronage on Auckland’s rail network is proof that we are now giving our customers some of what they want.

“Between June 2005 and July 2007, the number of train services per week increased from 959 to 1,352. These improvements are showing results – 5.7 million train journeys were made in the year to June 2007, up from 2.5 million in the year ending June 2003 and to record levels for at least the past fifty years.”

Mr Lambert says, “From 2 December 2007, between Sundays and Thursdays, the last trains on the Eastern and Southern Lines, which depart from Britomart at 8.40pm and 9.10pm, will no longer terminate at Otahuhu but will now travel all the way to Papakura.

“On the Western Line, an extra late night service to Waitakere will leave Britomart at 9.37pm from Mondays to Thursdays. On Sundays, an extra late night service will leave Britomart at 8.55pm for New Lynn.

“Shoppers heading to Sylvia Park will benefit from additional weekend train services on the Eastern Line. To tie in more closely with the opening hours of shops, half-hourly services between Britomart and Otahuhu (via Sylvia Park and Glen Innes) will be extended to 6pm on Saturdays, and Sunday services will be doubled to half hourly between 9am and 6pm.”

Mr Lambert says, “The introduction of later and more frequent train services to the network at this stage only marks the beginning of ARTA’s move towards even better frequency of services for Auckland’s commuters. Once ONTRACK has completed major track works on Auckland’s rail network, ARTA will be in a position to offer commuters improved frequency of train services at peak times and further extend evening services.”

Passengers can get more information about the additional services and about train timetables from MAXX on (09) 366 6400 or at www.maxx.co.nz

ENDS

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