Major developments to upgrade the rail network taking place during the upcoming weekends

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) wishes to advise that rail bus replacements will be operating during forthcoming weekends in order to allow for major developments on the rail network being undertaken by ONTRACK.

Bus replacements will operate between Britomart and Waitakere on the Western Line, and between Britomart and Otahuhu on the Southern Line during the weekend of 15th and 16th of November, and on Sunday 7th December. They will also be in operation on the Western Line between Avondale and Waitakere on Saturday 6th December.

Services on the Eastern Line will be operating normally and will include additional services that would normally travel via the Southern Line.

ARTA's General Manager, Customer Services, Mark Lambert says, “ The work being undertaken on these dates includes major advancement on the Newmarket station, and construction work on projects at Avondale, New Lynn and Boston Road stations.

“The developments are part of a wider three-week shutdown over the Christmas period, during which essential work that is vital to the delivery of improved services and better facilities for rail passengers in the future, will be completed.

“Passengers are advised to check timetables carefully before travelling.”

Where buses replace trains, normal train fares will apply for the entire journey. Passengers should look out for the RAIL BUS sign at affected stations.

"The support and understanding of passengers while this important work is taking place is greatly appreciated. ” Mr Lambert says.

Passengers can get more information about the bus replacements and about train timetables from MAXX on (09) 366 6400 or at www.maxx.co.nz

More information on projects taking place to upgrade the rail network can be obtained from www.projectdart.org.nz