Transport system takes hit as train ploughs into car

Auckland's stretched public transport system took another hit today when a train slammed into a car parked on a railway crossing in the Auckland suburb of Kingsland about 6am.

No one was hurt and the train was undamaged but it took about 30 minutes to clear the debris and get the train rolling again, train operator Connex spokeswoman Tessa Marjoram said.

She said that delayed other services.

Demand for passenger trains had been up 80 per cent since Stagecoach drivers began a six-day strike over a pay claim last week.

She said that meant 5000 passengers went through the Britomart transport centre last Thursday and Friday and similar figures were expected today.

Ms Marjoram said additional services had been added since the strike began and carriages had been very full.

There was no one in the car that was hit by the train. Police Inspector Scott Webb said they were still investigating the incident.

The bus drivers' strike over pay is scheduled to end at midnight tomorrow.

- NZPA