For the next month, Auckland residents will have to forgo their normal train routes and jump onboard buses, with critical upgrades to the rail network causing closures.
Buses are replacing trains while KiwiRail upgrades more than 110 sites to prepare for the City Rail Link. Express bus services are replacing rail on the Eastern, Southern and Western Lines.
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“Auckland works are progressing smoothly as we complete these essential works,” KiwiRail chief capital planning and asset development officer Dave Gordon says.
“To ensure efficiency and minimise disruption, KiwiRail is undertaking Rail Network Rebuild, renewals, and CRL related workstreams during the December/January 2025 line closure, and all project sites are on target.
“We thank the people of Auckland for their patience with the disruptions, as we have been working hard over the holiday period.”
Most train services are scheduled to resume on January 28, with all services back by February 3 – including electric trains running for the first time from the upgraded Pukekohe Station.
Auckland transport director public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten says closures for rail upgrades are critical to providing easier connections, more frequent and reliable trains.
“We do know having the rail network closed is frustrating. We’re working hard to keep Auckland moving with buses replacing trains, as well as our regular bus services running throughout the city, so people can still get where they need to go,” van der Putten says.
“KiwiRail is getting a huge amount of work done while there are less people needing to travel for school and work.
“Electric trains from Pukekohe from February are just the first of the major improvements coming to rail soon. When City Rail Link opens in 2026 people across Auckland will benefit, with more frequent trains that are more reliable, easier connections across the city and big cuts in journey times.”
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