22 September 2004

More Trains Mean Extra Commuter Services

Southern Rail Line passengers will soon benefit from the introduction of more trains onto the network through extra morning services to and from the city.

The two trial services, which run between Otahuhu and Britomart on weekday mornings, are being introduced to relieve the pressure from growing passenger numbers.

The Chair of the Auckland Regional Council Passenger Transport Committee, Councillor Catherine Harland, says new SA Trains which started coming online from April 23, as well as an ongoing driver training programme, mean capacity problems can gradually be addressed on the network.

“The ARC is re-building up to 10 new SA Trains by 2006, as well as leading ongoing improvements to many elements of the rail network."

“The new passenger rail services operator, Connex, and the ARC, have reviewed increasing passenger numbers along the Southern and Eastern Rail Lines, and have identified this as an opportunity to provide extra capacity in a high demand area. The two extra services will add more seats in the mornings, and will help ease congestion, particularly along the Eastern Line”.

Cr Harland says the ARC and Connex will continue to work together to improve the delivery of passenger rail services.

“We are both constantly reviewing ways to enhance the delivery of rail services, and over time passengers will see gradual improvements as more trains are delivered and infrastructure is upgraded, including the Western Line double tracking”.

The two trial services start running on Monday 27 September.

The new service into the city leaves Otahuhu at 7:30 am and arrives at Britomart at 7:51 am, travelling along the Eastern Line. The service out of the city leaves Britomart at 7:57 am and arrives at Otahuhu at 8:20 am, and runs along the Southern Line only. The services will appear on printed timetables following the next scheduled timetable re-print early next year. Passengers can find out more by calling Rideline on 09 366 6400, or visiting www.rideline.co.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

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