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Train services have resumed service after a car drove on to the tracks in Mt Albert this morning.
Hundreds of commuters were stranded at transport hubs as rush hour trains on the busy Auckland rail network were brought to a halt after a moving vehicle was reported on the track between Baldwin Ave and Morningside stations on the Western line.
Auckland Transport has issued an alert saying tracks had now been cleared by emergency service responders and maintainers.
“The first western line service from Britomart to Swanson is scheduled to depart as per the timetable. Expect further but minor delays and possible cancellations while the recovery is in progress,” it said.
FINAL UPDATE - Tracks cleared by emergency service responders and maintainers. The first Western Line service from Britomart to Swanson is scheduled to depart as per the timetable. Expect further but minor delays and possible cancellations while the recovery is in progress. ^CL https://t.co/E2dJpNW76Gpic.twitter.com/ctVZjmDlEP
— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) May 16, 2023
Shortly before 7am a car was discovered driving down the railway tracks on the Western Line between Baldwin Ave and Morningside, an AT spokesperson said.
“Because the tracks were blocked by the car we had to cancel Western Line services between New Lynn and Kingsland until the car could be removed and the tracks were inspected.
“During this time trains continued to operate on shuttle services between Britomart and Kingsland, and between New Lynn and Swanson.”
The vehicle was safely removed from the tracks and taken away from the road corridor at 9.52am, the spokesperson said.
“A track inspection is now under way and we’re hoping to resume operating regular Western Line services shortly after that inspection is complete, provided no issues are found.
“We’d like to thank our train teams, KiwiRail crews and Police for their work to address this issue and for keeping our customers informed about this unfortunate disruption to their travel this morning.”
A passenger caught up in the disruption said buses connecting western suburbs to central Auckland had been swarmed with commuters.
West Auckland resident Sarina Rogerson told the Herald she arrived at the New Lynn bus depot at 7.50am and was waiting for the number 18 Britomart bus at the stop.
“There were nearly 200 people at the depot, my 18 bus to Britomart arrived - double-decker bus - and both floors were full. The driver had to leave so the next lot of passengers had to wait for the next 18 bus.”
Update - Western Line suspended between New Lynn and Kingsland. Train shuttle will be operating Swanson-New Lynn and Britomart-Kingsland. Western Line operating at a reduced frequency. Scheduled buses also accept train tickets to and from the stations impacted. ^CL https://t.co/cdtx5pB9j6
— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) May 16, 2023
A photograph posted on social media showed a car being driven along the tracks after getting on at a level crossing in Mt Albert.
A police spokesperson said it was a medical-related event and the driver is getting assistance.
KiwiRail engineers are checking the line for damage.
Western line services came to a halt after a car was driven along train tracks near Mt Albert station this morning. Photo / Michael Craig
Auckland Transport said train services on the western line had been suspended between New Lynn and Kingsland.
“Train shuttle will be operating Swanson-New Lynn and Britomart-Kingsland. Western Line operating at a reduced frequency.
“Scheduled buses also accept train tickets to and from the stations impacted.”
A car blocking train line near Asquith Ave has been removed from the tracks. Photo / Michael Craig
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown also advised public transport users to allow extra time if travelling from western suburbs today.
“Some trains will be delayed due to an incident. Buses are accepting train tickets,” he tweeted.
Plan for extra time if travelling from West Auckland today. Some trains will be delayed due to an incident. Buses are accepting train tickets. Follow @AT_TravelAlerts for updates. https://t.co/YPnaLCX196
— Mayor Wayne Brown (@MayorWayneBrown) May 16, 2023
Meanwhile, two eastbound lanes on Auckland’s Upper Harbour Motorway are blocked as emergency services attend a crash.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency urged motorists to delay their journeys.
There are delays eastbound on State Highway 18 from Trig Rd.
UPDATE 7:45AM Two eastbound lanes remain blocked as emergency services attend this crash. Delay your journey with delays eastbound now from Trig Rd. ^TP https://t.co/XnYJNJt0GR
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 16, 2023
About 120 bus services were delayed because of the crash, Auckland Transport said.
It asked motorists and passengers to expect further delays and possible cancellations as the section of the motorway was reduced to one lane.
“Check live departures before you travel,” AT said.
Some 120 bus services are delayed due to an incident on Upper Harbour Bridge. Please expect further delays and possible cancellations as the section of the motorway is now reduced to 1 lane. Check Live Departures before you travel. ^CL pic.twitter.com/assiuj567k
— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) May 16, 2023
