Newmarket Business Association

Sunday, 17 January 2010

 
Very first train pulls into $35m station 5.30am Monday

Hardcore train enthusiasts are being encouraged to catch the very first train into the brand new Newmarket Rail Station early on Monday morning.

The first train arrives into the $35 million Newmarket station at 5.30am, after leaving Britomart at 5.23am.

“This is a historic opportunity for any self-respecting trainspotter. Maybe not as exciting as the first train into Britomart in 2003 but a very close second,” says the chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association, Cameron Brewer.

"We want to get the message out that a train ride from Queen Street to Newmarket only costs $1.40 and takes less than 10 minutes. It is great value for money and no worries about traffic gridlock, parking, or talking on your cellphone.

“The station has been a long time coming. We advocated for an upgrade five years ago and we’ve had two years of construction. But it has been well worth the wait.

“Newmarket now has a truly world-class 21st century station. We couldn't be happier.

“With the new station we can now really start promoting rail as a viable transport option for employees and visitors alike. For the likes of tourists staying in the CBD, getting to Newmarket’s shops will be a whole lot more attractive and easier.”

After Britomart, Newmarket is Auckland’s second busiest rail station. Around 3,500 people catch the train to or from Newmarket on a daily basis. By 2016, with electric trains in place, it is predicted that 17,000 people a day will use it.

“This station will only encourage people to catch the train. It’s going to be great for Newmarket and Auckland public transport generally,” says Cameron Brewer.

Ends

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