7 Mar 2022

Auckland trains running on reduced services due to Covid-related shortages

7:46 am on 7 March 2022

Half the usual number of trains are running in Auckland because of Covid-related staff shortages.

Waka Kotahi is negotiating with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport over a shortfall in funding for the city's transport services and infrastructure.

File photo. Auckland Transport is expecting an increase in cancellations and reduced services in coming weeks due to staff catching Omicron and undergoing isolation requirements. Photo: Supplied

Trains on the Southern, Western and Eastern lines are at 20-minute intervals from today, up from the normal gap of eight to 10 minutes. Pukekohe and Onehunga trains are operating every 30 minutes.

Most buses are running to regular timetables, although some west Auckland bus services are cancelled.

Auckland Transport said there might be cancellations at short notice and asks people intending to use public transport to keep an eye on the AT app.

Ferry services were running to regular timetables however some may be cancelled at short notice.

An increase in cancellations and reduced services was expected in coming weeks due to staff catching Omicron and undergoing isolation requirements, it said.

Group manager metro services Stacey van der Putten said to help minimise disruptions Auckland Transport was supporting operators to get staff back to work safely through the use of rapid antigen tests.

"This is a stressful time for Aucklanders, but our staff are doing their best to keep services running and we would greatly appreciate your patience and understanding," she said.

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