City rail map reveals ‘game-changer’ for South Auckland travel

The new rapid transit map shows just how much commuters are set to benefit from the City Rail Link, a councillor says.

Auckland Transport unveiled the map ahead of the City Rail Link (CRL) opening in 2026.

Transport officials say the reconfigured train network could mark the most significant shift in decades for commuters in South and West Auckland.

Three new underground stations and redesigned lines will allow 90 per cent of all train services to pass through the city centre.

The changes aim to deliver faster, more direct journeys and improve access for suburbs that have historically missed out.

Franklin Ward councillor Andy Baker says it is a real game-changer for so many communities.

Baker, who also chairs Auckland Council’s Transport Committee, adds that people just need to give the new system a go.

At a media briefing at Waitematā Station on Monday, Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dean Kimpton said the redesign will give people more choice, reduce commute times, and improve regional connections.

“You’ll be able to get from the south, from Pukekohe, all the way through and back again via the South-City Line,” Kimpton says.

Auckland’s new rapid transit map shows reconfigured train lines and three new stations set to open with the City Rail Link in 2026. Photo/supplied.

“At peak times, you can travel straight to Manukau, and off-peak, you’ll have the option of going out to Newmarket and Grafton.”

Direct links and new access

The new East-West Line will connect Swanson to Sylvia Park and Manukau without requiring passengers to change trains at Britomart or Newmarket.

“To get from Swanson all the way to Manukau is unheard of,” Kimpton says.

“These direct links take time out of people’s journeys and give them more options.”

The Onehunga Line will also extend to Henderson during off-peak hours, forming the Onehunga–West Line.

New stations are under construction at Drury, Ngākōroa and Paerātā to improve access for southern commuters.

Baker says the new network will make a practical difference for families whose children travel into the city for school.

Franklin councillor Andy Baker, Auckland Transport chief executive Dean Kimpton, and KiwiRail programme director Bobby Fischer at Waitematā Station for the launch of the new CRL rapid transit map. Photo/supplied.

“Kids who come into town to attend schools like Auckland Grammar, Mount Albert Grammar or St Peter’s will be able to get there directly - they won’t have to change trains at Newmarket.”

Rebuilding public trust

Baker, a regular train commuter, says delays and disruptions over the years have damaged public trust.

However, he believes recent improvements are restoring confidence.

“Public transport has to be affordable, accessible and attractive, and if it’s not all three, people won’t use it,” he says.

“Now we’ve got better lighting, better cameras, more secure stations and amazing staff who make the journey enjoyable.”

He says safety improvements, including swipe-only platform access, upgraded lighting and visible security, are making a difference, especially for those unfamiliar with using trains.

“There’s more passive security.

“Crowds of people generally stop others from being silly.

“As a former policeman, I know that matters.”

Train services will run every four to five minutes through the city centre at peak times.

To meet demand, Auckland Transport will hire 165 new staff, including 55 drivers.

More than 1600 test trains have already run through the CRL tunnels.

Auckland Transport is also upgrading key bus corridors, including Wellesley Street, to support better connections between trains and rapid buses travelling to northern and north-western suburbs.

Electric trains will run every 4–5 minutes through the city centre at peak times once the City Rail Link opens in 2026. Photo/file.

Kimpton confirms rail replacement buses will continue to operate when needed.

“You’ll get picked up, taken to the next working station and continue your journey from there.”

Equity and access for underserved communities

Both Kimpton and Baker say the network’s success depends not only on infrastructure but also on how communities understand and engage with the new system.

“We want people to understand what the new access and opportunities are, in their own language and through trusted channels,” says Kimpton.

He adds the council is actively working on confidence-building, safety and convenience, particularly for families in South Auckland.

“Some people lack the confidence to catch the train or bus.

The $50 weekly fare cap aims to make travel more affordable for Aucklanders using AT HOP cards across trains, buses and ferries. Photo/file.

“We’ll work with communities to build that confidence and take away the uncertainty.”

He says the new $50 weekly fare cap is a good step for affordability, but acknowledges it may still be challenging for larger, intergenerational households.

“The fare cap does make it very affordable, particularly if you’re in the south and wanting to come to the city.

“But we know that for some families, carpooling may still be cheaper; that’s okay, we just want to offer more options.”

Baker agrees more reliable and frequent local buses would reduce pressure on expensive park-and-ride facilities.

“In Pukekohe, it cost $10,000 per car park to build.

“If we had better local buses, people wouldn’t need to drive down the road just to catch a train.”

Although he acknowledges there are still issues, Baker says the network is heading in the right direction.

“There have been issues with reliability.

“I do experience that sometimes, but not that often.

“You learn to live with it, like coming up against an accident on the motorway.”

- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.