When trains return to Pukekohe Station in January, commuters will be able to catch a train at 5.10am and every 20 minutes after until 7pm.
KiwiRail has told Franklin Local Board members final timetables are still being worked on, but it is envisaged the first weekday service will depart at 5.10am, and at 6.10am on weekends and holidays.
Services will continue every 20 minutes until 7pm, when they will move to a half-hourly schedule.
Trains will arrive back at Pukekohe every 20 minutes until around 9pm, and then every half hour until the end of service, with the last train departing Britomart around 10pm on Sunday, 10.30pm Monday to Thursday, 1:30am on Friday night and midnight on Saturday.
Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker says residents are hanging out for the return of services.
“It’s been a long time coming, but at this time of year you turn around and it’s Christmas, and the January return of services will be just around the corner,” he says.
“The reward for all that disruption will be a modern efficient service that runs at a higher speed, no swapping at Papakura and obviously saying ‘goodbye’ to lengthy commutes that tie so many of us up on the motorway.”
Timetables associated with the operation of the Central Rail Loop will be another significant improvement to the city’s public transport network when they come into effect, Baker adds.
Local Board members have also been updated on the three new stations being developed.
At Paerata, early earthworks are underway for the rail bridge retaining wall, with main construction imminent.
At Drury, early earthworks have taken place, including installation of 279 concrete piles. Vegetation clearance has taken place, with construction expected to start before the end of the year.
At Ngakoroa, communications are expected to begin with neighbours in the coming months.
“We have asked that buses complement the restoration of train services and Auckland Transport says they are being timed to meet the new services, often with increased frequency,” says board chair Angela Fulljames.
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