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Auckland’s Eastern and Southern train lines faced significant disruption after a train and its passengers were left stranded near Middlemore Station.
Auckland Transport (AT) said an overhead powerline issue near Middlemore Station caused Eastern Line services to only run between Waitematā and Ōtāhuhu, with Southern Line trains facingthe same restrictions.
Commuters were advised to expect delays and cancellations, with scheduled buses accepting all AT Hop Cards and Rail Tickets.
AT were approached for comment, but directed inquiries to KiwiRail.
A KiwiRail spokesperson said a signalling related issue with an electric Auckland One Rail train north of Middlemore Station left it stranded about 10.40am.
“As a result, there were disruptions on the Eastern and Southern Lines while the 24 passengers aboard were disembarked and the stranded train towed away.
Eastern and Southern Line trains have been severely affected by a signal failure near Middlemore Station. Photo / Jason Oxenham
“The affected section of the Southern Line has now been fully reopened to trains.
“KiwiRail and Auckland One Rail will be investigating this incident, and we apologise for the disruption caused. ”
Several Eastern Line services were cancelled including: 4.07pm, 4.27pm, 4.47pm, 5.07pm, 5.27pm, 5.37pm, 5.47pm, 6.07pm, 6.27pm, 6.47pm, 7.07pm and 10.47pm.
Western Line trains were also impacted.
AT warned commuters to “expect delays and cancellations to Western line services due to crew displacement,” and the 4.43pm and 6.53pm services from Waitematā were cancelled.
Elsewhere on the network, the Onehunga Line will be closed for overnight works from 9.30pm tonight.
The Southern Line will also be shut for night works from the same time this evening.
Rail replacement buses will be available for these cancelled trains.
All four train lines were completely shut from December 27 to January 18 and from January 27 to 29.
AT said the work is scheduled for summer holidays as fewer people are travelling.
The network will be closed again from Waitangi Day, Friday February 6, to Sunday, February 8 as part of “essential track and rail infrastructure upgrades”.
