Auckland commuters will soon face over two weeks without train services as the city’s rail network closes from Saturday for maintenance and upgrade work.
The 16-day shutdown will see buses replace trains over the school holidays between April 12 and 27.
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Auckland Transport (AT) has warned fewer dedicated rail replacement buses will be operating during this closure, as compared to January’s full network closure.
At rush hour, rail buses would operate every 10 minutes following train lines, with an additional express service operating to some Southern line stations.
“Things will look a little different from the summer closure, with a few bus stop changes on the Western line and fewer express bus options, so please plan your journey before you travel,” AT public transport and active modes director Stacey van der Putten says.
“We know these buses can get busy during peak times, so there is also our network of frequent scheduled buses, which run at least every 15 minutes and stop at many of Auckland’s train stations.
“Journey Planner is a great tool on our website and the AT Mobile App to check what public transport options are available.”
Rail workers will be focused on maintenance, renewal, and upgrade projects, according to KiwiRail, which will help support the opening of the City Rail Link project next year.
“We get a huge amount done when there are fewer people needing to travel for school and work,” KiwiRail chief capital planning and asset development officer David Gordon says.
“KiwiRail teams were able to complete major projects over summer, such as the electrification of 19kms of the Papakura to Pukekohe section of the network, as well as extensive track upgrades of the Rail Network Rebuild.
“The 16-day shutdown set for the Easter-to-Anzac holiday period will also be part of this concerted push to prepare for the City Rail Link and ensure the metro network is primed and ready for the increase in the number of trains.”
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