Accessible version and resources

Key contacts

• For personal customer service, call the AT Customer Service Centre 09 366 6400
• For the NZ Relay Service call 0800 4715 715

What is the Rail Network Rebuild?

KiwiRail is undertaking a vital rebuild of the aging foundations that Auckland’s trains run on. This work, and other City Rail Link-related projects, such as the electrification of the line between Pukekohe and Papakura, will make the network ready for the City Rail Link. It will allow us to run more trains more often and increase the reliability of our services.

The upgrade work will be done in stages, one section of track at a time. Trains may not be able to run while sections of track are being worked on. While this is happening the rest of the train network will keep running.

Stage 2 of the Rail Network Rebuild

Stage 2 of the upgrade is complete and stations reopened on 15 January 2024.

Until 21 January, while Waitematā Station (Britomart) is closed, the Eastern Line will terminate at The Strand. After that, Eastern Line trains will return to Waitematā Station (Britomart). 

Stage 3 of the Rail Network Rebuild

Stage 3 of the upgrade will run from 26 January 2024 to May 2024.

Ōrākei, Meadowbank, Glen Innes, Panmure and Sylvia Park stations will be closed during this time. All other stations will be open.

The Eastern Line will be re-routed through Newmarket to avoid the section of track that is closed, so customers travelling from Manukau can continue to use the train to get to Waitematā Station (Britomart).

Auckland Transport is providing the following alternative transport choices while KiwiRail completes this work:

• Rail replacement buses that follow the train route, station-by-station.
• Express rail replacement buses that run directly between Panmure and Waitematā Station (Britomart) and between Glen Innes and Waitematā Station (Britomart).
• Regular scheduled buses – you may find one of our existing bus services better suits your journey.

How to stay updated and plan your journeys

You can plan your travel using Journey Planner and the AT Mobile App.

On AT Mobile, go to Service Alerts in Settings and opt-in to get recommendations based on your AT HOP card travel. AT will then be able to recommend alternative travel options and give you specific reminders when a change might affect you.

Rail replacement bus accessibility

You can check out our Rail Closures webpage to find out when trains will not be running.

Customers with wheelchairs or mobility scooters that are too large to take on rail replacement buses will be able to book a free mobility taxi by phoning our Contact Centre on 09 366 6400.

Visit bus accessibility to find out more about travelling by bus if you have access challenges or limited mobility.

Fares

Your fares are based on the number of fare zones you travel through, so you will not pay more if you need to take a bus (or two buses, or a train and a bus) to complete your journey.

Regular Total Mobility concessions apply, including the Plus One Companion scheme. Under the Plus One Companion scheme, a companion can travel free of charge with a Total Mobility cardholder when travelling together. An AT Total Mobility Card is required to access this concession. The bus driver will issue a ticket for the plus one companion for free.

What you need to know

• Buses may be busier than usual, especially at peak times.
• Journey times may be longer, so allow extra time.
• Customers with wheelchairs will be able to book a free mobility taxi through our Contact Centre on 09 366 6400.

In addition to these train station closures, there will still be planned closures on other train lines across the network to facilitate routine maintenance and project work.