ARTA Media Advisory

26 January 2010

Further work to upgrade the rail network this Anniversary Weekend

 The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) advises that buses will replace trains on the Southern and Western lines to allow for ongoing work to improve the rail network this Anniversary weekend

Buses will run in place of trains on the Southern Line between Otahuhu and Britomart (via Newmarket) from Saturday 30 January up to and including Monday 1 February.  On the Western Line buses will replace trains between Waitakere and Britomart On Saturday 30 January and Monday 1 February and between New Lynn and Britomart on Sunday 31 January.

Services on the Eastern line will be operating as usual.

ARTA General Manager, Customer Services, Mark Lambert says “The work that will be taking place this weekend includes preparations for electrification at Mt Eden and Parnell, in addition to the continued double-tracking of the Western Line.

“A lot of work to progress and complete projects took place during the Christmas shutdown and it is great to see such advances being made.

“This year will see the delivery of new stations at Grafton, New Lynn and Avondale, the introduction of a further improved timetable mid-year in addition to more work to prepare for electrification. 

“We will be taking advantage of public holidays, when less people travel on the rail network, to continue this work and we thank customers for their continued patience.” Mr Lambert said

Where buses replace trains, normal train fares will apply for the entire journey and passengers should look out for the RAIL BUS signs at affected stations.

Plan your journey this Anniversary Weekend on maxx.co.nz or call MAXX on (09) 366 6400.

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