Extra trains help Steelers fans

Extra train services put on by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) and Counties Manukau Rugby will ensure that Steelers fans will be able to turn out in force when the team play against Otago this Saturday 29 July.

ARTA’s Acting Chief Executive, Fergus Gammie, said taking the train is an ideal way for fans to get to and from matches.

“Using the train to attend games avoids the hassles of parking and traffic congestion,” he said.

“On Saturday, the additional services will run from Pukekohe and Papakura to Penrose and back so that supporters will be able cheer the team on at their new home - Mount Smart Stadium – when they compete in the first Air New Zealand Cup game.”

Mr Gammie said the trains will get people directly from the heart of Papakura and Pukekohe to Penrose Station, conveniently located right next to Mount Smart Stadium.

“Trains will depart Pukekohe at 2.40pm and Papakura at 2.18pm, 2.56pm and 3.18pm. At the conclusion of the game trains will depart Penrose Station for Pukekohe at 6pm and 6.27pm,” he said.

Special services will also run for the team’s other home games on Sunday 20 August and Sunday 3 September.

Counties Manukau Rugby Chief Executive Officer, Nick Sheppard, said the Steelers had struck a deal with ARTA and Veolia Transport to fund the additional services to run alongside existing scheduled ones.

“The cost for travel is only $5 per adult each way, with children/senior citizens riding for only $3.30 each way. The additional services and attractive pricing is all part of the Steelers giving back to their fan base and ensuring their continued support,” said Mr Sheppard.

“Furthermore, it’s only an eight minute walk to the Stadium making it one of the easiest ways of attending a game.”

Mr Gammie said that running additional services for events such as this is part of ARTA’s commitment to encouraging Aucklanders to use trains, buses and ferries, walking and cycling, as alternative forms of transport to private vehicles.

“We expect trains to become increasingly important over the coming years for people accessing rugby and other special events, particularly as we build up towards the Rugby World Cup in 2011.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media