Auckland Regional Transport Authority

17 August, 2006

Public Transport Way To Get To Bledisloe Cup

Special train and bus services put on by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) and MAXX will ensure that All Blacks fans turn out in force this Saturday 19 August when the team goes head-to-head against the Wallabies in the 2006 Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park.

Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) General Manager, Infrastructure and Rail, Elena Trout, said, "On Saturday, we will be running additional services on the Southern Line from Otahuhu and on to Britomart where passengers will change to a train bound for Eden Park.

"Special trains and bus services will also service the Western Line, transporting fans from Waitakere and Henderson to the game.

In order to allow double tracking work to continue on the Western Line, the special services between Waitakere and Henderson stations prior to the game will be serviced by buses.

Four buses will depart Waitakere between 1.59pm and 4.29pm, taking passengers to Henderson. At Henderson station, passengers will be transferred to trains taking them to Kingsland station.

"Trains will depart Papakura at regular intervals between 12.48pm and 4.18pm, and Henderson between 2.23pm and 4.53pm, to get fans to the stadium in time for the 5.30pm kick-off."

A ten-minute train service from Britomart to Kingsland station will run from 3:35pm for city-based fans and connecting passengers.

Normal train fares will apply from all stations. Passengers are encouraged to purchase a return ticket on the way to the game and allow plenty of time for their arrival at Kingsland station.

"The trains will deliver people from all across Auckland to Kingsland Station which is conveniently located within a five-minute walking distance of Eden Park," Ms Trout said.

"At the conclusion of the game, trains will depart from Kingsland station to Britomart between 7:25pm and 10:05pm (approximately every 10 minutes) and to Waitakere between 7:30pm and 10:30pm. Trains will also run all the way back to Waitakere station."

She said providing additional services for events such as the Bledisloe Cup is part of ARTA's commitment to encouraging Aucklanders to use rail as an alternative form of transport.

"We expect trains to become increasingly important over the coming years for people accessing rugby and other special events, particularly as we build up towards the Rugby World Cup in 2011."

Shuttle buses will also run from Albany bus station via Constellation bus station to get patrons to and from the game. A shuttle bus service will also run from the central city.

For more detailed information visit www.MAXX.co.nz

ENDS

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