11 Jul 2023

Train service to Auckland banned due to dangerous driving, possible collision

From Checkpoint, 5:07 pm on 11 July 2023

The Hamilton to Auckland train service, Te Huia, has been banned from entering Auckland city due to dangerous driving.

Waka Kotahi's issued a prohibition notice effective immediately after drivers on the passenger train crashed red signal lights on two occasions.

In one case triggering a safety protocol which halted another passenger train that could have collided with Te Huia.

Investigations are underway after Kiwirail reported the safety breaches.

From this afternoon Te Huia will have to stop at Papakura station and passengers will have to bus into the city.

Waka Kotahi director of Land transport, Neil Cook, explains what happened.

Meanwhile Kiwirail says there will be replacement buses in and out of Auckland central to Papakura at no charge to Te Huia passengers this week, but after that, commuters will have to cover the cost.