Auckland Transport Media Release

Friday 16 December

Rail passengers are reminded of upcoming changes to train services

Preparing the rail network for electrification and carrying out initial work for the planned Parnell Station means buses will replace trains this weekend.

Work at Parnell begins this weekend; it includes lowering and re-aligning the tracks while work continues at Ellerslie Station to allow an extra motorway lane and upgrading the station.

Rail passengers are reminded of the upcoming rail shutdown during the Christmas period while a number of major works are carried out across the rail network.

Changes include improving passenger access and comfort at Papakura Station and replacing rail overbridges at Orakei Road, Mt Wellington Highway, Morrin Road and Mountain Road as part of the AMETI Panmure transport project.

From Monday 19 December to Christmas Eve buses will replace trains from Newmarket to Britomart.

The full rail network will then be closed from Christmas Day until Tuesday 4 January, with buses replacing trains at all times except on Christmas Day. A range of regular bus services are also available. For full details go to www.maxx.co.nz. Details will also be available at stations.

Rail line closures:

Saturday 17 December and Sunday 18 December – Waitakere to Britomart, Papakura to Britomart via Newmarket, Onehunga to Britomart, and Papakura to Otahuhu.

Monday 19 to Saturday 24 December – Newmarket to Britomart.

Christmas Day – Full network closure, no buses replacing trains.

Monday 26 December to Tuesday 3 January 2012 – Full network closure, buses replace all trains.

Wednesday 4 to Sunday 15 January 2012 – Newmarket to Britomart and Papakura to Britomart via Glen Innes.

Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 January 2012 – Newmarket to Britomart.

Auckland Transport Public Transport Operations Manager Mark Lambert says a campaign to inform passengers about the rail network shutdown and bus replacement services has been underway for some time.

“Auckland Transport together with partners Veolia Transdev and KiwiRail have been working together to get information to customers out early with a variety of advertising and notices.

“We appreciate everybody’s patience while the work is happening on the rail network.”

Find your best transport option and full timetable information at maxx.co.nz. Replacement rail bus services will be provided, except on Christmas Day. For more details on the upgrade of Auckland’s rail network visit www.kiwirail.co.nz.

ENDS

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