A commuter rail service between Auckland and Helensville, introduced at a cost of $1 million, was launched on Monday, but it will have only 12 months to build enough patronage to avoid being scrapped.
Authorities spend more than $1 million in order to introduce the service, Auckland's longest-distance commuter link. A previous service to Helensville, northwest of Auckland city, was scrapped 28 years ago.
It extends the Auckland rail network by 30 kilometres. About 40 extra regular passengers have to be found to ensure the survival of the 90-minute journey.
The new line will compete with a long-established bus service, which gets commuters to Auckland's city centre 15 minutes quicker.
However, Auckland Regional Land Transport committee chairwoman Christine Rose is confident that commuters will support the service, especially as higher petrol prices bite home.
