Media Release - Auckland Regional Transport Authority

Extra services during 6-day strike

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) and bus operators are running extra bus services during the Stagecoach 6-day strike.

"We continue to be concerned at the inconvenience that ongoing strike action is causing bus users and the long term effect that this could have on bus patronage," says ARTA CEO Alan Thompson.

"ARTA is working with other public transport operators to offer some relief over the next six days," he says.

Bus operators and train operator Connex have all offered assistance by providing as much extra capacity as they are able.

Extra buses will run on existing routes and limited shuttle services will run between Takapuna and the CBD, and Mt Roskill and the CBD. There will also be a limited shuttle service between Swanson and the Henderson Transport Centre. "There are only a limited number of buses and drivers available. We're doing what we can, with what we've got," says Mr Thompson.

Train operator Connex is increasing the frequency of off-peak services on the Western Line, and running extra peak services between Otahuhu - Britomart and New Lynn - Britomart. A normal train timetable with additional capacity will run across the rail network on Saturday. This means that trains will have extra carriages wherever they are available.

Public transport users can contact Rideline on 09 366 6400 or www.rideline.co.nz for additional information.

Strike relief services - Thursday 5 May to Tuesday 10 May

Birkenhead Transport Limited will provide: Limited bus service from Takapuna Transport Centre to Downtown Auckland between 9am to 2:30pm, and 6:30pm to 9pm on weekdays.

Limited bus service from Takapuna Transport Centre to Downtown Auckland between 8am to 6:30pm on weekends.

Ritchies Transport Holdings Limited will provide: Limited bus service from Mt Roskill Shops to Britomart Transport Centre (via Dominion Road) between 7am to 7:30pm on weekdays.

Limited bus service from Mt Roskill Shops to Britomart Transport Centre (via Dominion Road) between 8:30am to 5pm on weekends.

Limited bus service from Swanson railway station to Henderson Transport Centre between 6:20am to 6:30pm on weekdays.

Limited bus service from Swanson railway station to Henderson Transport Centre between 8am to 5pm on weekends.

Howick and Eastern Existing express services will stop at all stops on request

Urban Express Existing Green Bay express services will stop at all stops on request

These additional services have been agreed with Stagecoach and the Combined Union senior representative.

ENDS

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