Auckland trains have been hit by widespread delays and cancellations because of a “network control system failure”.
An Auckland Transport (AT) spokesperson told the Herald that the disruptions – which impacted all train lines on the network – were because of a “nationwide outage of the system used to safely manage train movements”.
“Shortly after 9am, all train services in Auckland were suspended because of a nationwide outage of the system used to safely manage train movements,” they said.
“All train services in Auckland were suspended, which closed several of our major train stations until train services were able to resume from around 10.15am. Plans have commenced to restore train operations to timetabled schedules in preparation for an increase in services for the afternoon peak.
“Many of our passengers were able to quickly disembark their train at a station when this outage occurred, but some passengers waited onboard trains until services were able to resume at 10.15am.”
In an update at midday, AT said scheduled train services will resume from 2pm.
Passengers are being advised to use alternative bus services as the trains return to its usual timetable.
“While train services are being restored to their usual timetable we are encouraging passengers to catch one of the scheduled AT bus services that connect with our rail network. We are also working to organise alternative transport for parts of the network that have fewer bus connections, such as between Papakura and Pukekohe,” an AT spokesperson added.
“We would like to thank our passengers for their patience and understanding as we focus on keeping them safe while our partners at KiwiRail worked to urgently fix the underlying system outage.”
KiwiRail chief infrastructure officer Siva Sivapakkiam told the Herald: “A technical issue affected the train network across the country this morning for approximately 30 minutes, with the Auckland metro network affected for around one hour, causing delays to services.
“When this occurs, there are robust systems in place to manage the network safely, and passenger trains are guided to the nearest platforms.
“The system has now been restored and the issue is being investigated to ensure it does not happen again. A schedule recovery plan is underway and we are working to fully restore normal running times in Auckland ahead of this afternoon’s peak.
“KiwiRail sincerely apologises to all our customers and passengers for the delays.”
AT sent an alert to passengers this morning announcing the disruption to the rail network, which it said was set to last until midday.
“Please expect delays and possible cancellations to services across the network due to a network control system failure,” the alert said. “All services are currently being held at stations.
“Check live departures and on-platform passenger information displays for up-to-date information.
“Buses will accept train tickets to and from impacted stations. Go to Journey Planner to find alternative ways to reach your destination.”
Buses were “packed” because of the rush of train passengers during the disruption, a witness told the Herald.
In an update to passengers about 10am, AT said, “There is a system outage causing delays and cancellations on all train lines. Updates to follow.
“Live tracking of trains on the AT mobile app has been disabled.”
It comes as Auckland’s rail network is set for closures during the April school holidays, including the upcoming Easter long weekend, because of upgrades to the City Rail Link.
“Getting ready for City Rail Link’s opening in the second half of this year requires an upgrade of Auckland’s rail network, in addition to fitting out the new stations, and testing and commissioning of new systems,” AT said.
“To get this work done as quickly as possible and to reduce long-term disruption to train services, there will be several days of full and partial closures on Auckland’s rail network during the April school holidays.”