Auckland trains to shut for nearly a month next year
Auckland commuters are being urged to prepare for major travel disruption as the city’s rail network shuts down for most of the first month of next year. Auckland Transport (AT) and KiwiRail have confirmed that trains will not be running across much of the network from 27 December to 28 January, as crews carry out critical infrastructure upgrades ahead of the long-awaited City Rail Link (CRL) opening in 2026.
According to a joint statement from AT and KiwiRail, this extended closure marks one of the most significant construction phases in the rail programme. The work is designed to ensure Auckland’s rail system is ready to support more frequent and reliable services once the CRL is operational in the second half of 2026.
Some relief will come midway through the shutdown period. Limited services on parts of the Southern, Eastern, and Onehunga Lines will resume between 19 January and 29 January, before closing again briefly for two days. However, passengers should expect reduced services and plan alternative travel options throughout January.
AT’s Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, described the coming summer as the “last big push” to complete major rail infrastructure work. More than 1,300 workers will be involved in a wide range of projects, including repairing tracks, constructing new platforms and pedestrian bridges, and removing level crossings across the network.
“This work is essential to getting City Rail Link up and running,” van der Putten said. “Without it, we simply won’t be able to run more trains, more often.”
She acknowledged the frustration many commuters will feel, especially those staying in Auckland or working through the holiday period. AT has deliberately scheduled the shutdown during summer, when public transport demand is traditionally lower, to minimise disruption overall.
“Balancing delivery with minimising disruption to passengers and freight is tricky,” she said. “Using holiday periods means we impact fewer people, but we understand it’s still frustrating. Please stick with us – better journeys are around the corner.”
In addition to construction, this summer will also see testing of the new City Rail Link route and timetable. For the first time, trains will trial the full CRL timetable to ensure safety, reliability, and smooth operations from day one. During these tests, trains will run throughout Auckland - including through the new tunnels – but will not carry passengers, as they must operate under strict testing rules.
To help commuters during the shutdown, AT has promised additional bus services, including express rail replacement buses along the Southern Line. While these services will ease some pressure, AT is advising travellers to allow extra time for journeys and consider alternative routes or remote work where possible.
Importantly, the month-long shutdown will not be the last. AT has confirmed further rail closures are planned after January, mostly limited to weekends and public holidays. However, Aucklanders are being warned to expect longer disruptions during the April school holidays, as work continues across the network.
As Auckland edges closer to the CRL opening, transport officials say short-term pain is unavoidable. The long-term goal, however, is a faster, more connected rail system that supports the city’s growth and reduces congestion on roads.
For now, planning ahead will be key.
FAQs
When will Auckland trains shut down?
The main shutdown will run from 27 December to 28 January, with partial services returning briefly from 19–29 January.
Which lines are affected?
The closure affects the entire rail network, though limited services will operate on parts of the Southern, Eastern, and Onehunga Lines later in January.
Why is this shutdown necessary?
The work is essential to prepare Auckland’s rail network for the City Rail Link, allowing more frequent and reliable train services in the future.
Will there be replacement transport?
Yes. Extra buses, including express rail replacement services, will operate during the shutdown.
Are more closures planned?
Yes. Additional closures are expected on weekends, public holidays, and during the April school holidays next year.
When will the City Rail Link open?
The CRL is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.
Read More: https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/aucklands-trains-to-shut-down-for-almost-a-month-next-year
Auckland commuters are being urged to prepare for major travel disruption as the city’s rail network shuts down for most of the first month of next year. Auckland Transport (AT) and KiwiRail have confirmed that trains will not be running across much of the network from 27 December to 28 January, as crews carry out critical infrastructure upgrades ahead of the long-awaited City Rail Link (CRL) opening in 2026.
According to a joint statement from AT and KiwiRail, this extended closure marks one of the most significant construction phases in the rail programme. The work is designed to ensure Auckland’s rail system is ready to support more frequent and reliable services once the CRL is operational in the second half of 2026.
Some relief will come midway through the shutdown period. Limited services on parts of the Southern, Eastern, and Onehunga Lines will resume between 19 January and 29 January, before closing again briefly for two days. However, passengers should expect reduced services and plan alternative travel options throughout January.
AT’s Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, described the coming summer as the “last big push” to complete major rail infrastructure work. More than 1,300 workers will be involved in a wide range of projects, including repairing tracks, constructing new platforms and pedestrian bridges, and removing level crossings across the network.
“This work is essential to getting City Rail Link up and running,” van der Putten said. “Without it, we simply won’t be able to run more trains, more often.”
She acknowledged the frustration many commuters will feel, especially those staying in Auckland or working through the holiday period. AT has deliberately scheduled the shutdown during summer, when public transport demand is traditionally lower, to minimise disruption overall.
“Balancing delivery with minimising disruption to passengers and freight is tricky,” she said. “Using holiday periods means we impact fewer people, but we understand it’s still frustrating. Please stick with us – better journeys are around the corner.”
In addition to construction, this summer will also see testing of the new City Rail Link route and timetable. For the first time, trains will trial the full CRL timetable to ensure safety, reliability, and smooth operations from day one. During these tests, trains will run throughout Auckland - including through the new tunnels – but will not carry passengers, as they must operate under strict testing rules.
To help commuters during the shutdown, AT has promised additional bus services, including express rail replacement buses along the Southern Line. While these services will ease some pressure, AT is advising travellers to allow extra time for journeys and consider alternative routes or remote work where possible.
Importantly, the month-long shutdown will not be the last. AT has confirmed further rail closures are planned after January, mostly limited to weekends and public holidays. However, Aucklanders are being warned to expect longer disruptions during the April school holidays, as work continues across the network.
As Auckland edges closer to the CRL opening, transport officials say short-term pain is unavoidable. The long-term goal, however, is a faster, more connected rail system that supports the city’s growth and reduces congestion on roads.
For now, planning ahead will be key.
FAQs
When will Auckland trains shut down?
The main shutdown will run from 27 December to 28 January, with partial services returning briefly from 19–29 January.
Which lines are affected?
The closure affects the entire rail network, though limited services will operate on parts of the Southern, Eastern, and Onehunga Lines later in January.
Why is this shutdown necessary?
The work is essential to prepare Auckland’s rail network for the City Rail Link, allowing more frequent and reliable train services in the future.
Will there be replacement transport?
Yes. Extra buses, including express rail replacement services, will operate during the shutdown.
Are more closures planned?
Yes. Additional closures are expected on weekends, public holidays, and during the April school holidays next year.
When will the City Rail Link open?
The CRL is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.
Read More: https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/aucklands-trains-to-shut-down-for-almost-a-month-next-year
Auckland trains to shut for nearly a month next year
Auckland commuters are being urged to prepare for major travel disruption as the city’s rail network shuts down for most of the first month of next year. Auckland Transport (AT) and KiwiRail have confirmed that trains will not be running across much of the network from 27 December to 28 January, as crews carry out critical infrastructure upgrades ahead of the long-awaited City Rail Link (CRL) opening in 2026.
According to a joint statement from AT and KiwiRail, this extended closure marks one of the most significant construction phases in the rail programme. The work is designed to ensure Auckland’s rail system is ready to support more frequent and reliable services once the CRL is operational in the second half of 2026.
Some relief will come midway through the shutdown period. Limited services on parts of the Southern, Eastern, and Onehunga Lines will resume between 19 January and 29 January, before closing again briefly for two days. However, passengers should expect reduced services and plan alternative travel options throughout January.
AT’s Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, described the coming summer as the “last big push” to complete major rail infrastructure work. More than 1,300 workers will be involved in a wide range of projects, including repairing tracks, constructing new platforms and pedestrian bridges, and removing level crossings across the network.
“This work is essential to getting City Rail Link up and running,” van der Putten said. “Without it, we simply won’t be able to run more trains, more often.”
She acknowledged the frustration many commuters will feel, especially those staying in Auckland or working through the holiday period. AT has deliberately scheduled the shutdown during summer, when public transport demand is traditionally lower, to minimise disruption overall.
“Balancing delivery with minimising disruption to passengers and freight is tricky,” she said. “Using holiday periods means we impact fewer people, but we understand it’s still frustrating. Please stick with us – better journeys are around the corner.”
In addition to construction, this summer will also see testing of the new City Rail Link route and timetable. For the first time, trains will trial the full CRL timetable to ensure safety, reliability, and smooth operations from day one. During these tests, trains will run throughout Auckland - including through the new tunnels – but will not carry passengers, as they must operate under strict testing rules.
To help commuters during the shutdown, AT has promised additional bus services, including express rail replacement buses along the Southern Line. While these services will ease some pressure, AT is advising travellers to allow extra time for journeys and consider alternative routes or remote work where possible.
Importantly, the month-long shutdown will not be the last. AT has confirmed further rail closures are planned after January, mostly limited to weekends and public holidays. However, Aucklanders are being warned to expect longer disruptions during the April school holidays, as work continues across the network.
As Auckland edges closer to the CRL opening, transport officials say short-term pain is unavoidable. The long-term goal, however, is a faster, more connected rail system that supports the city’s growth and reduces congestion on roads.
For now, planning ahead will be key.
FAQs
When will Auckland trains shut down?
The main shutdown will run from 27 December to 28 January, with partial services returning briefly from 19–29 January.
Which lines are affected?
The closure affects the entire rail network, though limited services will operate on parts of the Southern, Eastern, and Onehunga Lines later in January.
Why is this shutdown necessary?
The work is essential to prepare Auckland’s rail network for the City Rail Link, allowing more frequent and reliable train services in the future.
Will there be replacement transport?
Yes. Extra buses, including express rail replacement services, will operate during the shutdown.
Are more closures planned?
Yes. Additional closures are expected on weekends, public holidays, and during the April school holidays next year.
When will the City Rail Link open?
The CRL is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.
Read More: https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/aucklands-trains-to-shut-down-for-almost-a-month-next-year
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