Biggest day for Ak rail since Britomart opens

Media release
Newmarket Business Association
Wednesday, 13 January 2010

Biggest day for Auckland rail since Britomart opening

The official opening of the brand new $35 million Newmarket Rail Station tomorrow by the Transport Minister Steven Joyce is being labelled the biggest day for Auckland rail since the opening of Britomart nearly seven years ago, according the chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association, Cameron Brewer.

"Newmarket's new station will add to Newmarket what Britomart added to the central city in 2003. It’s going to be a real focal point and public transport beacon. The new facilities will boost rail patronage and more will start using the express link to Britomart. People will wake up to the fact that for just $1.40 they can get from Queen Street to Newmarket in only 10 minutes.

“With the new station we can now really start promoting rail as a viable transport option for employees and visitors alike. With the old facilities we never talked about catching the train to Newmarket because the experience was embarrassing. Suddenly for the likes of tourists staying in the CBD, getting to Newmarket’s shops will be a whole lot more attractive and easier.

Mr Brewer said that given in total over $100m has been spent by the taxpayer in Newmarket on a major junction upgrade and the new station building, it would be very disappointing if trains bypassed Newmarket during the semis, bronze final and grand final games of the 2011 Rugby World Cup as is being mooted. .

"We're very concerned about the possibility of Newmarket being bypassed during the big matches of what is the world's third largest sporting tournament. I appreciate the need for fast and frequent services from Britomort to Eden Park, but Newmarket is the second biggest station in the region and should definitely be a stop.

"Strategically its perfectly located between the CBD and Kingsland, and of course is where the Southern Line meets the Western. It would save a lot of Aucklanders from going into Britomart or worse getting in their cars and trying to get near Eden Park."

Mr Brewer says it would kill the business association's plan to promote Newmarket as a place to park, dine then ride to the 9pm games.

"It would be very convenient for many fans, and would work perfectly for our bars and restaurants given the late night games.

"We are urging the organisers to ensure Newmarket is on the train schedule for the Rugby World Cup, even if it's only for every second or third train. Not only would it be great for Newmarket and the Eastern suburbs, but it would help get more people out of their cars, and take a lot of people pressure off Britomart and of course Kingsland."

The new central Newmarket station will be operational from Monday 18 January.

“When we publicly advocated for a new station nearly five years ago, we argued for a sizable station befitting of Newmarket’s status as Auckland City’s second CBD and home to the region’s most important rail junction. A station we can now be proud of has been delivered. The new station is actually better than we anticipated and has been worth the wait. Those businesses on Remuera Road that have experienced major disruption over the past 12 months will be particularly pleased to see the plaque unveiled.

“It’s not only good for rail commuters and public transport generally, but this first-class public amenity will really contribute to Newmarket’s future economic development,” says Cameron Brewer.

ENDS

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