21 August 2013

Train Performance and Reliability at a new high

An independent audit shows punctuality and reliability is at record high levels for Auckland’s trains.

Auckland Transport and Transdev commissioned Deloitte to audit the performance data for the Auckland suburban rail network.

That audit confirmed the accuracy of the monthly data produced by Transdev.

In July punctuality figures hit a new high of 89.7 per cent (train services on time to within five minutes). Reliability which measures the arrival of train services at their destination also scored exceptionally well at 97.9 per cent. This is based on 964,725 trips for the month.

In June punctuality was 88 per cent up from 86.1 per cent in May. Reliability was 98 per cent up from 96.6 per cent in May.

“These pleasing results reflect the hard work being done to improve train performance across the board,” says Transdev Auckland Managing Director Terry Scott.

Mr Scott says Transdev is working closely with Auckland Transport to deliver patronage growth and a good customer experience.

Auckland Transport Chairman Dr Lester Levy says this improved performance is great news coming just days before the first new trains arrive.

“We must strive all the time to make train travel better for our customers. We are about to get world-class trains and we need to match them with the level of service we provide.”

Auckland Transport has upgraded most of the rail stations on the network, the latest station to be totally re-built is Mount Albert. These new stations provide more seating, better shelter, easier access and improved security for customers.

At the same time KiwiRail has been investing in and improving the rail network ahead of electrification. “We have strengthened safety systems and upgraded network capacity by double tracking the western line. All this work has helped make higher frequency timetables and these unprecedented performance figures possible,” says KiwiRail CEO Jim Quinn.

Dr Levy says the partnership between Auckland Transport, Transdev and KiwiRail is strong and Aucklanders are beginning to see the results of the huge investment being made in Auckland’s rail network.

Spanish company Construcciones y Auxilair Ferrocarriles (CAF) is building a fleet of 57 three-car train sets to carry passengers on the Auckland suburban rail network. The trains have been designed to meet the specific needs of Aucklanders and feature the latest in terms of safety, comfort and reliability.

The first train arrives next week and will go into service next year.

For more information: www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz

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