Strong wind is affecting public transport in the Wellington Region today, following severe weather alerts issued by MetService for Thursday 23 October.

The Wellington Regional Emergency Response Office (WREMO) is strongly advising people in the region to avoid non-essential travel and MetService have extended the Strong Wind Warning (Red) to 7pm today.

All scheduled rail services before 8am ran this morning, with low patronage, showing that Wellingtonians have heeded safety messaging and are avoiding non-essential travel. Metlink is very appreciative of everyone who has made alternative arrangements this morning in the interest of public safety.

Passengers who need to travel on Metlink services are encouraged to plan ahead, expect delays and stay up to date with the latest travel information on the Metlink app and website.

Rail:

• All Metlink train services between 8am and 6pm are cancelled, following the KiwiRail decision to close all Wellington train lines.
• Services on the Kāpiti, Hutt Valley, Melling and Johnsonville lines will resume after track inspections have been completed by KiwiRail, after 6pm. KiwiRail is monitoring the weather and will make the decision on when the lines can reopen.
• All Wairarapa Line services are cancelled for the day and there will be no buses replacing trains on this line.
• Kāpiti and Hutt Valley Line train services will have limited buses replacing trains, running hourly services for essential travel only.
• The Melling and Johnsonville Lines will not have any buses replacing trains, while the rail network is closed.

Bus:

• All route 200 and 204 bus services in Wairarapa are cancelled for the day.
• Bus operators will be using single decker buses where possible as a precaution. This may result in some bus service cancellations. Passengers can check these cancellations on the Metlink app and website.

Ferry:

• All East by West ferry services are cancelled for the day.

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