Cut cable causes chaos on trains

Empty tracks and full platforms ... the scene at Britomart station last night as passengers wait for trains. Picture / Dean Purcell

Hundreds of Auckland train passengers were delayed yesterday after a severed power line disrupted services.

The line was cut in the Parnell area yesterday about 3.30pm, affecting services to Britomart station from Newmarket.

Power was not fully restored until 8.20pm.

Long queues of passengers filled the platforms at Britomart, but most people spoken to were sanguine about the delays.

"It's all part and parcel of public transport these days," said Bobbie Peato of Papakura who had to wait an extra 40 minutes for her train.

Emma Jones, of Wales but an Auckland resident for nine months, said she had encountered no problems with the train service before, and delays had to be expected.

But one disgruntled New Lynn passenger was less forgiving about the one-hour delay she endured and her journey home which she said "crawled along".

"It took ages to get on the train and when we did it was really slow," she said.

"They then had the nerve to charge us - I got home more than an hour and a half later than normal."

Veolia Transport spokeswoman Tessa Marjoram said the power cut was "caused externally" and was being investigated.

Train services were available on all the major routes, although there were disruptions.

Buses from Newmarket replaced trains to Britomart.