New Era Of Transport In Auckland Begins

Aucklanders have travelled through the heart of the city by train for the first time today, as passenger services began on the City Rail Link-enabled rail network.

From before dawn, hundreds of train enthusiasts queued across the network to be among the first customers to experience New Zealand's first underground railway and the biggest transformation of Auckland's rail network in generations.

More than 400 people made the journey to Ōtāhuhu Station to hop onboard the very first passenger train through the City Rail Link tunnels, travelling from as far as Cambridge and Lower Hutt.

23-year-old Taylor hopped in an Uber from Drury to be the first person in the queue at Ōtāhuhu Station, waiting from 3.40am to be onboard the historic first ride.

“It’s exciting to see Auckland’s future coming to fruition – seeing us finally having a true underground system and a truly modern heavy rail suburban network.

“It’s definitely worth getting up early for.”

The first train to arrive at a new City Rail Link station was a South City Line service which travelled from Ōtāhuhu at 4.57am, pulling into Karanga-a-Hape Station on-time at 5.22am before carrying on to Te Waihorotiu and Waitematā stations.

For avid train photographer Alex, catching the first train was worth the early start.

“I’m excited to see Auckland’s rail network expand through the city centre properly as well as having much more frequent trains throughout the whole rest of the network.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Families, elected members and people who helped design, build, test and prepare the City Rail Link were also among those eager to experience the new network on opening day.

This morning we estimate we have already carried more than double the number of passengers we did this time last Sunday, with about 14,300 people having travelled across the rail network so far today compared with 6,800 by this time last Sunday.

The opening marks the culmination of one of the largest operational changes undertaken on Auckland's public transport network, bringing together the efforts of City Rail Link Ltd, Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and Auckland One Rail to prepare the railway for service, underpinned by funding, direction and oversight from the Government and Auckland Council.

Auckland Transport’s Chief Executive Stacey van der Putten was onboard the first train and says it was a joy to finally see Aucklanders enjoying the benefits of the new network.

“For years Aucklanders have watched the City Rail Link take shape beneath the city. Today they finally got to experience it for themselves.

“I loved seeing the smiles on people’s faces and just how many people wanted to be part of this historic moment. The excitement across the network has been incredible to be a part of.

"I can’t wait to see how they make our new rapid transit network their own in the weeks, months and years ahead, taking advantage of the easier connections to people and places.”

The City Rail Link introduces two new underground stations at Karanga-a-Hape and Te Waihorotiu and enables a redesigned rail network and increased capacity across Auckland's rail system.

Three new lines, the East-West, South-City and Onehunga-West, offer customers better connections and more ways to connect with people and places across Auckland.

KiwiRail Chief Metro Officer Bevan Assink says the day was significant for everyone involved and personally rewarding.

"Thousands of people have poured their heart and soul into this project. Seeing first-hand trains carrying customers through the City Rail Link and witnessing Auckland's new rail network come to life was a bit emotional.

"Our teams will continue working around the clock to support the safe and reliable operation of the rail network as Aucklanders begin making the most of this new way of travelling around the city."

Customers across the network were welcomed by ambassadors helping people navigate the new stations, services and connections. Free coffee, live entertainment and opening-day activities added to the celebratory atmosphere.

Monday 14 September will see the introduction of the first weekday timetable operating through the City Rail Link, with trains running every four to five minutes through the new stations during peak periods.

Auckland Transport is encouraging customers to use the Journey Planner and familiarise themselves with the new rail network and its connections to the wider public transport system before travelling.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading