After nearly 3 years of waiting the Pukekohe train service officially resumed this week, making the morning commute much easier for locals.
“Pukekohe Train station re-opening is a welcomed relief to many in the area”, says Franklin Councillor Andy Baker.
The station closed in August 2022 as part of a Kiwirail major upgrade to electrify the southern rail line.
The new upgrade includes an electrified train service, a new platform layout to accommodate 6-train cars and modern passenger facilities.
Prior to its opening people travelling from Pukekohe had to catch a bus to Papakura and hop on the city bound train to Britomart from there.
With the station now fully operational, passengers travelling from Pukekohe will no longer need to make the switch at Papakura. It’s hoped that more people will choose to travel by train over cars, reducing traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions.
“As Pukekohe grows it’s vital our transport system supports residents to move around with ease reducing congestion and carbon emissions,” Says Baker.
“This is a fantastic day for our community and commuters, many of whom work and study in the city.”
Baker adds that the zone changes and fare cap announced by Auckland Transport (AT) recently will help ease the cost for commuters in the long-run.
HOP Card users pay a maximum of $50 a week to use buses, trains, and inner-harbour ferries. Fare zones have also been simplified and AT has capped the price of a single trip on buses and trains at $7.65 (four zones), regardless of the distance or the number of transfers.
“The fare adjustment is offset by the introduction of zones. Commuters from Pukekohe will travel across fewer zones, lowering transport costs,” Baker says.
Pukekohe Station re-opening marks an important milestone in Auckland’s ongoing efforts to improve public transport and support the cities growing population.
Train services run every 20 minutes between Pukekohe Station and Britomart along the Southern Line. For more details and to view timetables, visit Journey Planner or use the AT Mobile app.
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