Attributable to KiwiRail Group Chief Operating Officer Todd Moyle
Repairs to an Auckland train signalling cabinet affected by a fire this morning are likely to take at least the rest of the day.
Smoke and water damage means the electrical equipment is being replaced and taken through a rigorous testing process to ensure trains are safe to travel on that section on the line.
Trains will not be able to run between Newmarket and Penrose during this time.
KiwiRail is working closely with Auckland Transport and Transdev to ensure disruption to passengers is minimised, by rerouting trains from Otahuhu to Britomart via the Eastern Line, around Auckland’s waterfront.
Passengers should check with AT for updates on bus replacements. AT has organised six Rail Replacement Buses between Penrose and Britomart, stopping at all stations, to cover the issues on the Onehunga and Southern lines.
Onehunga line customers wishing to travel to Britomart can catch the rail shuttle to Penrose and transfer to a Rail Replacement Bus from Penrose to Britomart.
Trains continue to run on the Western Line via Newmarket.
Meanwhile, we are working to establish the cause of the fire.
KiwiRail apologises for the disruption, but safety must be our priority.