The key points are temporarily unavailable. You can still read the full Story below.
Main Points
Auckland’s rail network achieved its highest weekly patronage on record during the first seven days of City Rail Link (CRL) operations. Between Sunday, September 13, and Saturday, September 19, 2026, the system recorded 528,007 train boardings, surpassing the previous record of 504,380 set in March 2019.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop noted that patronage increased by approximately 62 percent compared to the week prior to the CRL opening, which saw 325,203 boardings. Opening day alone recorded 56,757 boardings, with daily usage peaking at 85,289 on Thursday, September 17.
According to official data, the network maintained punctuality and reliability in the mid-to-high 90 percent range throughout the working week. Officials noted that performance on the opening Sunday was impacted by a fire at Waitematā Station, which affected the special CRL launch timetable, though the base Sunday schedule operated as planned once services resumed.
Minister Bishop described the CRL as a significant transport investment, intended to provide a reliable alternative to car travel. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown stated that the initial results demonstrate the impact of the new underground rail system and its integration into the wider public transport network. Brown emphasized that the current focus is on maintaining this momentum and continuing to grow passenger numbers.
The patronage statistics were derived from Auckland Transport’s official HOP and payment card data. Officials stated that these figures differ from preliminary estimates provided by Auckland Transport in the previous week.
Article source: www.scoop.co.nz | Image credit: www.scoop.co.nz
