Two new railway stations serving South Auckland have officially opened, with passenger services beginning as the Government continues to expand Auckland’s rail network ahead of the City Rail Link opening.
The new Drury and Paerātā stations will serve Drury, Paerātā, Franklin and the wider South Auckland area. Each station features two platforms, 350 car parks and bus connections, while weekday peak train services will operate every 10 minutes.
Rail Minister Winston Peters says the stations are designed to support rapid population growth in southern Auckland.
“Around 130,000 more people are expected in this part of Auckland over coming decades, and infrastructure must come before growth – not years afterwards, as too often happens in this country,” says Peters.
“These stations are here because we funded them when last responsible for rail, as part of our wider commitments to unlock capacity, lift train frequencies, invest more than $500 million to get the network up to standard, and enable electric trains from Britomart right down to Pukekohe.”
Peters says the Government will continue to support investment in rail.
“We will keep advocating for rail because taxpayers have built an asset with real potential to move people and goods efficiently – and we intend to make full use of it.”
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the stations are among the final components of the Government’s recent investment in Auckland’s rail network.
“These stations are among the final elements of a recent $2.4 billion Government investment in Auckland’s rail network,” says Bishop.
“The Auckland Rail Network Rebuild has been completed in time for the City Rail Link (CRL) to open soon. We’re also replacing level crossings across the network to support more frequent train services.”
Bishop says other recently completed rail projects include the Third Main Line, which separates freight and passenger services, and the electrification of the rail line to Pukekohe.
He says another station at Ngākōroa is scheduled to open in 2027.
“This is about investing in infrastructure that will help allow our largest city to grow.
“Our investment is delivering convenient and reliable trains, to help improve productivity, and new infrastructure out here in southern Auckland to enable housing and business growth.”
