Media release

Friday 17 November 2006

ARTA doubles daytime train services on Auckland’s Southern and Eastern Lines

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) announced today it is doubling daytime train services on the Southern and Eastern Line during the week.

Elena Trout, Acting Chief Executive ARTA says, “The new Southern and Eastern Line timetable, available from Monday 4 December, will offer Aucklanders more options to get around the Auckland CBD, Eastern Bays, Manukau and Papakura.

“The timetable represents a 100 per cent increase in services between 10am and 2pm weekdays on the Southern and Eastern Line. We’re pleased to be able to offer passengers such an improved frequency and look forward to providing Western Line passengers with similar improvements as the double tracking project continues to progress’, said Ms Trout

The new timetable has been developed By ARTA and its train operator, Veolia Transport Auckland Ltd.

Ms Trout said the new services will run between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday and will include an additional morning and evening peak service from Otahuhu Interchange via Newmarket, which will particularly benefit passengers in Ellerslie.

Since ARTA and Veolia Transport’s previous timetable improvements in October 2005, when services increased by 25 per cent, punctuality on the Southern and Eastern Line has increased to 88 per cent and overall passenger numbers have increased by over 30 per cent.

Ms Trout says, “It’s pleasing to see Aucklanders switching on to the improved services we’re offering as we, and our partners, improve public transport across the region. Research suggests that, as a result of ongoing network improvements, trains alone have taken an estimated additional 700 morning peak car trips off the road,

“While we’ve got a long way to go in terms developing a comprehensive network, in some areas we’re certainly beginning to offer a travel experience that competes with the car in offering Aucklanders reliability, frequency and choice. Many of us are already enjoying the benefits of an improved public transport system,” said Ms Trout.

“We want to develop a system that people are proud to use. Passengers on the Southern and Eastern lines are already benefiting from recent station upgrades at Manurewa, Orakei, and Meadowbank to name a few and will soon be able to use new and modern stations at Panmure and Sylvia Park. Future upgrades on the train network include Middlemore and Papakura stations along the Southern and Eastern Line and continued upgrades along the Western Line.

Around 60 per cent of Auckland’s train passengers travel on the Southern & Eastern Lines.

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About Auckland’s train network

This increase in services has been made possible by the continued funding and support of the Auckland Regional Council, Land Transport New Zealand, Auckland’s train passengers.

ARTA continues to work in close partnership with the Auckland Regional Transport Network Limited, ONTRACK, TOLL NZ and the region’s local councils to develop the region’s rail infrastructure to provide a quality system that meets Aucklanders’ needs and that they can be proud to use.

The previous revised train timetable, introduced in October 2005 by ARTA and Veolia Transport across the whole rail network, increased services by 25 per cent overall and included extended late nights on Friday and Saturday and, for the first time in at least 40 years, regular Sunday services.

Note: On-time train services are those that arrive at their destination within 4.59 minutes of the timetable schedule.

Key rail safety messages

General

Watch For Trains – They Cannot Always Be Heard

Keep 5 Metres Away From the Track (Except At Crossings and Stations)

Use Proper Paths and Crossings Only

Look Both Ways

If 2 Tracks – May Be 2 Trains!

Wait For The Alarms To STOP Before Crossing

The Railway Corridor Is Not Public Property

The Railway Corridor Is Not A Public Walkway

Stations

Stay Behind The Yellow Lines On Platforms

Pushing And Crowding Is Unsafe – Take Your Time

Approach The Train Only After It Stops

Let Passengers Off First

Mind Your Step!

The Platform Is Not A Playground!

Some Trains May Pass Quickly Without Stopping.

On Board

When The Alarm Sounds, The Doors Are Closing. Stand Clear.

Keep Clear Of The Doors At All Times

The End Doors To Other Carriages Are For Staff Only

ENDS

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