ARTA Media Release

17 June 2009

New timetable and more trains in response to phenomenal growth on Auckland’s rail network

A new train timetable, introducing more services and more trains on Auckland’s rail network, will be introduced by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) on Monday 29 June 2009. The timetable is being introduced in response to continued growth on Auckland’s rail network, which, with continued development and investment, is enjoying a renaissance of dramatic proportions. 

ARTA’s Chief Executive Fergus Gammie says “The introduction of the new rail timetable is in response to the phenomenal growth we have seen in rail in recent years, with the latest figures showing growth from 3.7 million passenger journeys a year in 2005 to 7.6 million journeys in 2009. Between May 2008 and April 2009 an additional one million more journeys were taken on Auckland’s rail network”.

Mr Gammie attributes the growth to a substantially redeveloped network, more frequent services and much improved service reliability.

“ Developing the rail network is still a work in progress with the significant redevelopment of Newmarket train station due to be opened early next year, work commencing on the reopening of the Onehunga branch line and redevelopment of rail in Manukau. The signals system is also being substantially upgraded by KiwiRail.  However, much progress has been made and we are very appreciative of the patience of our customers as this work is undertaken”, said Mr Gammie.

Key additions in the improved timetable include extra capacity, and additional peak and late night services on the Southern and Eastern Lines, and the introduction of more frequent services between Britomart and Pukekohe.
 
“ARTA also wants to provide passengers with a smooth and comfortable experience onboard; we have already introduced a number of refurbished trains that have the mechanism to supply a smoother journey, and the allowance for extra capacity at peak will enhance this further.”  Mr Gammie said.

“The growth in recent years has clearly shown that if a comfortable, convenient and reliable service is available, Aucklanders will utilise it.  We hope that by adding more train services, some later at night, more at peak time and so on, that it will make the train an appealing option for even more people.” 

Copies of the new timetable are now available, in advance of commencement on Monday 29 June.  For more information, or to order or view the new train timetable, call MAXX on (09) 366 6400 or visit maxx.co.nz

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