Talks on train and bus chaos

By STUART DYE

Transport chiefs meet today for talks to try to iron out problems plaguing the Britomart transport centre.

The centre was officially opened a month ago but the rail service has been beset by problems with trains running late, breaking down or not running at all.

Now the centre has come under fire from bus operators, who say their terminal, outside the train station, is gridlocked.

Transport chiefs had heralded Britomart as an integrated centre bringing together rail, bus and ferry services.

But passengers and transport staff say they are facing daily chaos because of a badly designed system.

Scores of people have contacted the Herald to complain about Britomart. Many say it is reaching boiling point.

Emma Harding, a 36-year-old mother of two, says she was threatened with being removed from the train station after she complained about her train being late.

Above ground, Ann Malo, a Stagecoach bus driver for three years, described the situation as ludicrous.

"I've had to wait for up to 25 minutes. Passengers are irate and drivers are angry.

"The councillors came for the opening, but have not planned for the ordinary day-in-day-out passengers, and it's us who have to face the aftermath.

"We have timetables to meet, but our job is being made impossible."

Ms Malo has been backed by her union. Gary Frogatt, president of the Tramways Union, said there were not even facilities for drivers to go to the toilet.

"It's abysmal down there," he said. "It's inadequate for passengers and the drivers trying to provide a service.

"People are paying huge amounts in rates, but are not getting the transport service.

"Then our members get it in the neck."

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union is also calling for an overhaul at Britomart.

If the authorities could stop squabbling over money Britomart could become an asset to Auckland, said Craig Inger, the union's national management committee representative for loco-engineers.

Union members were being abused by angry passengers every day, said Mr Inger.

"We are very frustrated. Members are going without breaks and doing everything they can to keep things running."

Catherine Harland, chairwoman of the ARC transport committee, said the critical issue of new trains was being addressed.

"We are looking at ways of funding rolling stock."

Ms Harland was unaware of problems with the buses but said she would look into it.

What's to blame

A report to transport chiefs blames the problems at Britomart on:

A substantial increase in passenger volumes.

Speed restrictions where track de-stressing is under way.

Points failures at Britomart caused by "dust accumulation".

Minor mechanical faults with some refurbished trains.