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Trains will be running for fans going to watch the Crusaders play at Christchurch’s new covered stadium.
The Crusaders Express will offer return services from Rolleston and Rangiora for the Super Round rugby match against the Waratahs on Friday, April 24, at One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, disembarkingat Moorhouse Ave.
Christchurch will host the Super Round with 10 Super Rugby Pacific teams descending on the city to open the long-awaited new stadium.
The Super Round will take place in round 11 of the competition, from April 24 to 26, over the long Anzac weekend.
“This is just the first stop on the journey towards commuter rail for Canterbury,” says Mainland Rail managing director Ian Ladd.
“Mainland Rail is committed to exploring commuter rail in Canterbury. Our long-term vision is to build additional rail services around major events at the new stadium and across the region.
“The Crusaders fan train is a practical way to show how rail can move large numbers of people efficiently into the city. It’s a small step, but it demonstrates what commuter rail could look like for Christchurch.”
The new stadium opens next month.
The concept also has support from Christchurch City Council, which has contributed $51,053 from its Capital Endowment Fund to help pay for temporary infrastructure.
Passengers will disembark via a pop-up ramp at Pilgrim Place, approximately 1km from One New Zealand Stadium.
Mayor Phil Mauger says it’s a credit to the team at Mainland Rail.
“It’s fantastic to have more transport options in our city to encourage people out of their cars and into the central city to see everything Christchurch has to offer,” Mauger says.
“I’m so thrilled the council has been able to support them. It’s great to have new ideas or initiatives in Christchurch and shows we’re willing to give new thinking a go and see if it improves how people get around.”
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger is delighted that trains will be put on. Photo / George Heard
The idea came about after a sold-out fan train to Timaru for a pre-season match in January.
