Media release

Newmarket Business Association

Monday 28 January 2008

Commuters reminded about new rail stations and timetable

From tomorrow morning two new temporary rail stations will open in Newmarket with a new Newmarket train timetable also coming into effect in what as being described as Auckland’s most significant rail upgrade since Britomart opened in July 2003.

“Newmarket is the second busiest rail precinct in Auckland, and so we’re keen to remind commuters that as from tomorrow there will be timetable changes with Newmarket’s historic railway station now closed forever,” said Cameron Brewer, general manager of the Newmarket Business Association.

From Tuesday 29 January two temporary stations will be opened for those using the train in Newmarket – one at Kingdon St (Newmarket West) for those using the Western Line, and one on Remuera Rd (Newmarket South) for Southern Line services.

“Commuters who need to transfer between the Western and Southern Lines (eg. going from Mt Albert to Ellerslie) can either get off at Kingdon Street and walk for 10 minutes to the temporary Remuera Rd station (behind Nuffield St) or they can train all the way into Britomart and transfer there at not additional cost.”

Mr Brewer says Maxx ambassadors will be located at the stations for the first few weeks to provide assistance for those who need extra help.

Service provider Maxx has released new timetables effective from Tuesday 27 January 2008. Timetable information can be accessed through www.maxx.co.nz or (09) 366-6400.

"While there’s possibly going to be two years of temporary facilities and at times disruption, the end result will be great and is long overdue. By 2010 Newmarket will have a brand new $25m central rail station and a $50m upgraded junction which will make catching a train to Newmarket a much more attractive option.

“In Sydney a lot of visitors catch the train to Bondi Junction to shop. We'd like to think that this major Newmarket rail upgrade will help entice a few tourists disappointed with Queen Street.

“Newmarket’s rail upgrade is something we've lobbied for some time. Our station will go from being something out of Whangamomona to becoming a world-class public transport facility. Until then the Newmarket Business Association will continue to positively work with the transport authorities to try to keep disruption to an absolute minimum," says Mr Brewer.

ENDS

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