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Glenn Patel - Urbanism in Henderson, Massey and Te Atatu
Ferry 'nuff
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Glenn Patel - Urbanism in Henderson, Massey and Te Atatu
Ferry 'nuff
About
Contact
FAQ
Home
Ferry 'nuff
About
Contact
FAQ
Home

Key Concepts:

1) Why was Waitākere railway station closed in the first place?

It was closed because of cost/benefit analysis; the station lies on one side of a tunnel, and in 2015 the Auckland Rail Network was electrifying. It was deemed too expensive to electrify the tunnel, or to implement (for example) battery power for engines while passing through the tunnel.

Had the line been thriving, this would simply have been accepted as a necessary expense.

2) What has changed since then?

For the past decade, the population of West Auckland has been growing, and our transportation infrastructure has become increasingly strained.

Further, technologies have improved; for example, Wellington recently (2025) commissioned the Tūhono BEMU (battery electric multiple unit) trains.

3) How would reopening the old line help with this?

CityLink’s expansion was a great step, but the more places the railway reaches, the more useful it is for alleviating transportation needs, and it is far easier to restore and repair old railway lines and stations than build new ones.

The Next Step:

Step Zero: Community Support

This plan only has one possible chance of success; community support. We need to speak up and be heard.

Reconnecting West Auckland by Rail: A Realistic Trial Proposal

This proposal outlines a practical, community-driven plan to bring passenger rail back beyond Swanson, focusing first on a short-term trial service to Huapai and Waimauku. It’s designed for local residents, businesses, and civic groups who want a clear, achievable pathway to test the benefits of restored West Auckland rail.

1. Why This Matters

Northwest Auckland is one of the fastest-growing parts of the region, but remains without a direct public-transport link to the rail network. The tracks already exist and are still used by freight, but passenger services ended in 2015. A staged trial would test demand, give real data to decision-makers, and build local support for a full return of trains.

2. What’s Proposed

Run a 12–18 month diesel-powered shuttle service between Swanson and Huapai (with possible weekend trips to Helensville). The service would connect directly with existing electric Western Line trains at Swanson using the same AT HOP ticketing system.

3. The Route

• Swanson – existing terminus of Western Line (transfer point)
• Waitākere – optional stop if platform upgraded
• Waimauku – key residential catchment
• Huapai – main trial terminus and park-and-ride hub
• Helensville – optional weekend / excursion stop

4. Stage 1: Planning & Set-up (6–12 months)

Tasks:
• Confirm track and tunnel safety with KiwiRail
• Refurbish small stations or install temporary platforms
• Lease 1–2 diesel multiple units (DMUs)
• Approve safety and operating plans with NZTA
• Market the service to local communities

5. Stage 2: Trial Service

(12–18 months)

• 2–4 return trips each weekday, timed to meet Western Line trains at Swanson
• Weekend tourist and event trains to Helensville
• Fares and transfers fully integrated with AT HOP
• Focused marketing: “Ride the Northwest Line” campaign

6. Success Measures

• 250–400 daily passengers after first 3 months
• At least 20% farebox recovery by end of year
• 90% on-time performance
• Strong local satisfaction (>70% positive survey results)

7. Estimated Costs

Planning and setup

NZ$5–8 million

Annual operations (trial)

NZ$2–3 million

Station upgrades (temporary)

NZ$1–2 million

Marketing and surveys

NZ$0.5 million

Total (Phase 1–2)

NZ$8–13 million

8. After the Trial

If the trial meets patronage and reliability goals, the next step is to test a battery-electric shuttle. This would avoid costly tunnel works while offering clean, quiet, low-emission travel to the city.

9. How the Community Can Help

• Advocate for the trial through local boards and MPs
• Join or support community rail groups
• Use the service and share feedback if the trial begins
• Encourage park-and-ride and local business partnerships

10. Summary

This is not a billion-dollar mega project — it’s a practical, low-risk way to test the return of rail to the Northwest. With the right community backing, Auckland could see trains running to Huapai within two years, using existing track and proven equipment.