Monday 27 November 2006

Smart new platform for Sunnyvale train station

From Monday 4 December passengers using Sunnyvale train station will have a smart new platform to catch the train out West or towards Britomart as Auckland’s Western Line rail upgrade progresses further.

The new platform, located just opposite the existing platform, can be accessed from Seymour Road via a temporary footpath. The existing platform will be closed for upgrading and the addition of a new track to allow trains to service it.

Auckland Regional Transport Authority’s (ARTA) General Manager Infrastructure and Rail, Elena Trout says, “The new platform gives passengers a much more comfortable waiting environment, with good shelter, seating, customer information and lighting.

“The platform has been created as part of the Western Line upgrade project run in partnership by rail network provider ONTRACK (who are building a second track and upgrading signalling) and ARTA (who are upgrading the stations) with project support from Waitakere City Council.”

The Western line double tracking project is part of ONTRACK’s $600 million Project DART, a three year programme of improvements to Auckland’s rail infrastructure. It includes redevelopment of Newmarket station and junction, improved linking of Manukau City to the rail network, and network wide signalling improvements to allow more frequent services.

Ms Trout says, “Passengers should allow more time for their journey to the station while they get used to the new access arrangements and are reminded not to cross the tracks.”

The public is also asked, for their own safety, to stay out of construction areas.

Ms Trout says that the new, modern facilities at Sunnyvale station will improve the passenger’s travel experience, “Such enhancements are being steadily introduced across the region’s public transport network. People are already switching on to the benefits and we have seen very strong growth in rail patronage over the last year.”

Once complete, the new Sunnyvale Station will offer passengers easy station access from:
- Seymour Road via:
o Manui Place
o And a new footpath (once the temporary path is made permanent)
- Heremai Street, off Bruce McLaren Road as ONTRACK
o Put in a new footbridge over the stream (to be completed shortly)
o Build a new underpass to give passengers safe access between the two platforms.

Passengers using Glen Eden and Fruitvale Road Stations will also get new platforms, due to be opened early in the New Year. A second new platform will be constructed at each of these stations in conjunction with the laying of the second rail track.

All three station upgrades should be completed by the time the new track is commissioned - targeted for mid 2007.
Clear signage will be in place at Sunnyvale Station to ensure that passengers know where to catch their train from and ARTA and ONTRACK are working closely with train operator Veolia Transport to minimise passenger disruption while the construction work is being undertaken.

The latest upgraded station to open was the new Henderson Station that opened in October. It will operate as a bus-train interchange where passengers will be able to easily transfer between modes.

For information on buses, trains or ferries and the double tracking project visit www.maxx.co.nz or call the MAXX contact centre on (09) 366 6400 (passengers outside the Auckland free calling area can call MAXX on 0800 10 30 80) or go to Britomart’s MAXX information kiosk. Public transport passengers are advised that temporary public holiday timetables will be in place over the Christmas and New Year season – these will be announced in December.

ENDS

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