Auckland Transport Media Release
20 October 2011
Part of Queen St closed for RWC 2011 Final

The closure of a large section of Queen St at the end of Sunday’s Rugby World Cup 2011 Final is one of a number of major changes to transport in Auckland this weekend.

The closure is to allow for the large crowds expected on the streets of Auckland’s CBD after the All Blacks play France. It will be in place from 10.30pm, or earlier if necessary, between Customs St downtown and Victoria St. Customs St could also be closed on Sunday night if necessary.

Wellesley and Victoria Sts, which cross Queen St, will still be open to vehicles, however people travelling in the CBD on Sunday night are being advised to be patient and expect delays. All parking buildings will remain open.

This would be in addition to closures on Quay St for the downtown Fanzones (Midday Friday to 6am Monday).

If an application for a new Fanzone in Aotea Square for the Final is approved the Queen St closure may be extended to Mayoral Drive. Full details will be confirmed tomorrow.

Aucklanders are also being advised to travel early this Friday to avoid congestion likely from the combination of the Bronze Final at Eden Park, commuter travel and the start of Labour Weekend.

Public transport and roads are expected to be busier than usual at peak time as fans start travelling to the match late afternoon. Trains in particular will be much busier, so commuters are advised to try to travel before free travel on trains to Eden Park begins at 5.30pm.

Kick off on Friday is 8.30pm. Free travel with a match ticket begins at 4.30pm on Britomart special event buses and 5.30pm on trains and all other special event buses.

Kick off on Sunday is 9pm. Free travel with a match ticket begins at 5pm for Britomart special event buses and 6pm on trains and all other special event buses.

People using public transport who are not going to Eden Park are reminded there will be a number of changes to regular services. This includes bus stop relocations in the Britomart precinct, changes to Britomart entrances, smaller trains for some non-event services and buses replacing some trains, especially on the Western Line.

Road closures and parking restrictions in the Eden Park area will be in place from 530pm on Friday and 6pm on Sunday. On Sunday New North Rd and Bond St could to be closed earlier than for previous matches given the high pedestrian numbers expected.

An increase in people travelling to the matches by coach, rail, special event buses and taxi is expected.

Other transport options include parking in streets outside the Eden Park restricted zone then walking, or walking the Fan Trail from Auckland’s CBD. People driving are advised to carpool. To find someone to carpool with go to www.rideshare.co.nz.

After the match trains leave every 5 minutes from Kingsland to the CBD, stopping only at Grafton and Britomart, until the majority of crowds are cleared. Trains out of the CBD run later into the night, go to www.maxx.co.nz for full details
Special event buses are free with a match ticket until crowds have cleared after the matches. Some other buses, including the Northern Express, Inner and Outer LINKs, will be running later. The NiteRider buses from the CBD will be available between 1am and 3.40am. A fare applies on services that aren’t special event buses. For full details go to www.maxxco.nz.

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