Auckland's northwestern settlement of Waitakere is to lose passenger trains after more than 130 years.
In a move condemned by rail enthusiasts and local politicians as short-sighted, Auckland Transport intends axing the final 3.9km Swanson-Waitakere section of its network when electric trains start running on the western line in 2016.
The council body says there are not enough passengers to justify the $6 million needed to upgrade stations and trains for a diesel rail shuttle. Buses will be used instead.
