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Making the trains run on time is notoriously difficult, but it appears as though their new stations are set to arrive as scheduled.
This Sunday, Auckland’s newest stations in Drury and Paerata are set to welcome the first passengers to their platforms.
Combined with new bus routes, the stations will help future-proof public transport in Auckland’s fastest growing region, Franklin Ward Councillor Andrew Baker expects.
“These new stations are going to make such a big difference for people living in South Auckland and Franklin and save them countless hours stuck on the Southern Motorway,” he says.
“These stations and buses help make sure the massive growth we’re seeing in Franklin is being supported by the infrastructure communities need and it will be really exciting to see our communities making the most of these [soon].”
When the much-touted City Rail Link opens in the coming weeks, the new Franklin stations will play an even greater role, Baker says, with trains running every 10–15 minutes.
Ngākōroa Railway Station, also in Drury, will come online next year.
Recent passenger numbers on Auckland’s buses suggest the new stations will be well served. Figures reveal an “enormous increase” throughout the city, with a 14 per cent jump in June when compared to the same time last year.
Fair weather, a discount for students, the $50 weekly fare cap and expansions to routes and services are all encouraging more people to get on the bus, Auckland Transport’s Rachel Cara confirms.
“We’ve had some fantastic winter weather so far, and we know this makes a big difference for people deciding to use the bus,” she says.
“Half of all Aucklanders are now within a ten-minute walk of a frequent bus service from their doorstep, so it’s never been easier to get on board a bus and get to where you want to go.”
