Joint Media Release
ARTA/ONTRACK
15 April 2008

Changes to Southern Line services as Newmarket redevelopment continues

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) advises that on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April a bus replacement service will be operating for all stations between Otahuhu and Britomart on the Southern Line, as the Newmarket station redevelopment continues.

Passengers travelling to Otahuhu or further south are encouraged to catch an Eastern Line train. Additional Eastern line trains will operate between Papakura and Britomart (via Sylvia Park and Glen Innes) throughout the weekend.

The Newmarket redevelopment is a joint project between ONTRACK, ARTA and Auckland City Council. Newmarket is one of the busiest sections of Auckland's rail corridor and ONTRACK will be working throughout the weekend to carry out major track works as part of the station redevelopment.

Western Line passengers are reminded that on Saturday 19 April the usual Saturday bus replacements between Henderson and Waitakere will also be in place.

ARTA's General Manager, Customer Services, Mark Lambert says, "We are working hard to upgrade Auckland’s network and improve train services. Some construction can only be done when there are no trains running on the network. We understand the bus replacements may be inconvenient for some train users, and we schedule the work to minimise the impacts on commuters.”

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

"Because regular journey times may vary and some of the RAIL BUS stops are a few minutes' walk from the train station, passengers are advised to check timetables and allow more time for their journey. The support and understanding of passengers is greatly appreciated," Mr Lambert says.

Aucklanders can get more information about the revised timetable and about Southern Line rail services from MAXX on (09) 366 6400 or at www.maxx.co.nz

To find out more about the Newmarket upgrade and other Auckland rail network developments, please visit www.projectDART.org.nz or email Newmarketinfo@arta.co.nz

ENDS

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