More services pledged for Auckland's rail network

Better, more frequent trains are being promised for Auckland's rail network from next month.

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority said yesterday that it would introduce more trains during peak hours on both the western and southern lines from February 14.

Chief executive Alan Thompson said three more trains would run on the western line between New Lynn and Britomart station in the central city in the morning.

Five more trains would go from Britomart to New Lynn in the afternoon.

The improvements follow the completion of a $23.2 million double-tracking project between Mt Eden and Morningside stations.

On the southern line, four extra trains will travel the Otahuhu-Britomart section in the morning and vice versa in the afternoon.

Trains would no longer stop at Wiri station, used by about 40 travellers each weekday, in a bid to speed travel times.

Alternative arrangements were being made for those passengers.

The number of people using Auckland's rail network grew by one million last year and Mr Thompson said the aim was to increase patronage by the same number this year.

Double-tracking of the rest of the western line to Swanson is planned in three more stages over the next few years.