Electric train updates Electric train updates
2017
7 November 2017
AT has signed a contract for another 15 three-car electric trains, meaning more frequent services and more seats for passengers.
Read the media release: More trains means more services for Aucklanders.
2015
3 August
AT has officially marked the arrival of the last of the city’s 57 electric trains with a function at the Wiri Train Depot attended by the Prime Minister.
The last three trains from Spanish manufacturer CAF landed on the wharf last week and are now going through final checks at the depot prior to certification.
Read the media release: Auckland's electric train roll-out complete.
2 July
Final stage of electric train roll-out
From Monday 20 July, electric trains will be fully introduced into service every day of the week across the Auckland electrified rail network. Electric trains will operate as far as Swanson on the Western Line and as far as Papakura on the Southern Line.
This is the final stage of the electric train roll-out that started on the Onehunga Line in 2014.
28 March
- Five 6-car electric trains are now operating on the Eastern Line to significantly improve peak time capacity.
- Some 6-car trains were introduced onto the Western Line for special events during March.
- Electric trains are now in service on some interpeak services on the Southern Line.
- Driver training is underway, along with test runs on the Western Line.
2014
4 September
The last part of the electrification of the Auckland metro rail network is complete.
All of the urban rail network has now been permanently energised with the final section between Newmarket and Swanson being switched on.
The whole network should now be treated as being live with 25,000 volts at all times.
15 August
Second rail line going electric
The roll-out of electric trains in Auckland steps up next week with the introduction of the new trains on the Manukau Line.
29 April
Electric trains launch
Aucklanders celebrate the launch of the city’s new electric trains with the launch at Britomart on Sunday 27 April 2014 and day one of services from Onehunga on 28 April 2014.
1 April
Countdown to launch date
Auckland Transport has started its launch programme for the new electric trains. The first of the electric trains go into service on the Onehunga Line on 28 April.
Timeline for electric trains
Dates have been set for introduction of the new trains onto Auckland suburban lines.
April 28 2014 - Onehunga Line
September 2014 - Manukau via Eastern Line
March 2015 - Southern Line
2013
9 October
A campaign to highlight safety around the new electric trains has been launched.
4 October
On-track testing has started for Auckland’s new electric trains.
12 September
The new electric train has been unveiled at a special ceremony at the Wiri Depot.
August
Auckland's electric trains are now at the Wiri Depot
July
Watch our new trains on their journey to Auckland
The first of Auckland's electric trains recently rolled off the production line at the CAF factory in Spain. Auckland Transport's chief executive David Warburton visited the factory and saw the electric units at close quarters.
5 July
Major milestone in Depot construction - maintenance and stabling facility opens
7 June
Watch the first video of the trains in construction at the manufacturing plant in Spain. The first completed three car unit will arrive in Auckland in September for testing.
February
Watch this timelapse video: Wiri Depot construction
18 February
Pictures have just been released of Auckland's new trains from the Spanish factory where the first is being built. The body work is in place and the driver cabs are now being attached.
The three-car electric unit is expected to be in service in April 2014. Others will be progressively delivered across 2014 and 2015, with all of them in service by mid-2016. The trains are being manufactured by Construcciones Y Auxiliar De Ferrocarriles (CAF) at Beasain in Northern Spain.
2012
19 December
Video: how the new electric trains will change train travel in Auckland
Learn more about how the new electric trains for Auckland will make train travel safer and more enjoyable. This video explains a little history about Auckland’s passenger train service and how the electric trains will play a large part in the new era for public transport for Auckland.
31 October
Important information about the electrification of Auckland’s railway lines
Work has been progressing well to electrify Auckland’s rail network so it can carry new electric trains. Much progress has been made installing the masts, overhead wires and new signalling system. The next twelve months will see the overhead wires tested to ensure we’re ready to start testing the electric trains on the tracks late next year.
The overhead wires on the Onehunga line will be tested the weekend of 3-4 November. Please be aware that any overhead line may be live at 25,000 volts AC at any time. The affected stations will be closed to the public during testing, but please take extra care at all times around rail lines, please be aware of the need to ‘Stay clear to stay safe’.
12 September
Mockup goes on display at MOTAT
Aucklanders can now explore the the new electric train mockup when they visit the Museum of Transport and Technology.
30 August
Update on the Electric Train Project and Wiri Depot
Testing is under way in the Electric Train Mockup #3 and progress is being made at the Wiri Depot
- Find out more (PDF 2.2MB).
19 June
Electric train mockup number 3 arrives in Auckland
A third mockup of Auckland's new electric trains has arrived in Auckland and has been introduced by the Mayor of Auckland, Len Brown.
- Read the media release.
- What the mockup shows (PDF 7.8MB).