Auckland trains: KiwiRail issues apology after Te Huia stoppage strands passengers, causes widespread disruption

An investigation is being launched and KiwiRail has issued an apology after dozens of passengers were stranded for hours on a regional commuter train and Auckland the rail network was thrown into disarray.

Auckland trains are slowly returning to normal after a mechanical problem on the Te Huia Waikato-Auckland service caused major delays and cancellations across the network this morning.

An Auckland Transport spokesperson said all trains, except one Southern Line service, are now within a few minutes of the timetable.

“Western Line replacement buses will continue until 2pm. Onehunga Line replacement buses will continue until 2.45pm.

“AT advises those train users to check the AT Mobile App for changes.”

FINAL UPDATE 1:35pm
All trains, except 1 Southern Line service, are now within a few minutes of the timetable.
Western Line replacement buses will continue until 2pm.
Onehunga Line replacement buses will continue until 2:45pm. https://t.co/tIfcQd74u3 pic.twitter.com/k80lUQPIYK

— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) November 15, 2023

KiwiRail spokesman Britton Broun said the issue happened shortly after 9am today as the train was travelling from Hamilton to The Strand in central Auckland.

“Unfortunately, the train stopped near The Strand on the section of line between Parnell and Britomart – blocking one of the two tracks.

“The train has now arrived at The Strand where the 44 passengers can disembark.”

Broun said KiwiRail is sorry for the disruption to Te Huia passengers and Auckland commuters and will be investigating the cause of the mechanical fault.

Passengers could be seen sitting pressed up against Te Huia’s windows just before midday, waving at other passing trains.

Auckland Transport train commuters were left waiting in stationary trains midway through their morning journey.

A passenger on a Western Line train from New Lynn to the city faced a 40-minute delay, just before noon, while another passenger travelling on the Southern line from Homai to Britomart told the Herald that the train she was travelling on came to a halt just outside Parnell while delays were resolved.

The Te Huia service first opened in April 2021, and transports an estimated over 5000 passengers a month.

Last month, KiwiRail announced increased services for 2024, when starting in February, a third daily return service will run on Thursdays and Fridays, where demand has been highest, and a second return service on Saturdays.