NZ Transit Buzz
@nztransitbuzz
Your transit news hub. Authored by theGradyConnell.bsky.social & Josh Rogerson. Email: nztransitbuzz@gmail.com nztransitbuzz.substack.com
The upgraded tracker replaces the current version from July 20 at buslink.co.nz
#CRLNews: Auckland Transport has released a post-CRL in-carriage train map. This map is usually fitted inside train carriages on the roof section for passengers to see which train lines go where. VIEW IN HIGH QUALITY: at.govt.nz/media/gwrnlx...
#StationNews: A new wayfinding sign has been installed on the platform extension at Henderson Station. One side feature the current line diagrams for West services to Waitematā, the other features a full network map with the City Rail Link greyed out.
#RailNews: KiwiRail teams have worked hard under challenging circumstances to successfully reopen the rail line between Picton and Christchurch following its closure last week due to damage caused by the bad weather.
#LocomotiveNews: Di 1102 has returned to Ferrymead after being leased to Weka Pass Railway & Dunedin Railway Station for the past 3 years. The locomotive was towed back to Ferrymead by Steam Incorporated & Pounamu Tourism Group. Di 1102 will now receive maintenance before returning to service.
#StationNews: NZ Transit Buzz understands soundproofing panels have been installed on platform 4 at Waitematā Station. It is not yet clear if these will also be installed on platform 1 as well.
#FerryNews: Steam Ferry Toroa has erected new scaffolding, which reaches the starboard bow and will be used for the installation of the next and subsequent sheer strakes. The group says kick boards yet to be installed.
Long-distance fares have not changed. MORE: www.baybus.co.nz/news/new-bus...
#BusNews: New bus stop shelters have been installed at the existing and newly constructed stops at the Lincoln Road end of Sel Peacock Drive in Henderson. The new stop is still missing the bus stop box which was paved over during resurfacing works.
#StationNews: Another section of the Takanini Station overbridge has been lifted into place over the Matariki long weekend rail network closure. Pics - Kelvin Hieatt.
#TransportNews: Inside this edition: City Rail Link ticks off another test run, Connect launches a brand new website and Double Decker Transport Limited welcomes a new bus to its fleet. Read the Weekly Review: nztransitbuzz.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...
#StationNews: The construction works on the upgraded SH22/Jesmond Road intersection, including an entry point for the new Ngākōroa Railway Station access road, are now complete. Te Ara Ngaakooroa (the access road) is still closed to the public.
#CRLNews: Media teams received a behind-the-scenes tour of the completed Karanga-a-Hape Station. Check out our photos and videos from inside Karanga-a-Hape Station: nztransitbuzz.substack.com/p/feature-a-...
#CRLNews: During Auckland Transport’s testing of the full CRL day one timetable, media have been invited to see how peak services will run through Karanga-a-Hape station. At this stage there is no confirmed opening date for the CRL. We will have full station tour later today.
#TrainNews: AM144 returned to AT service today following months of work externally and mechanically. AM144 completed four Eastern Line services before returning to the depot. Images: @YT_JoshTransit on X.
#TransportNews: Connect - Horizons Regional Transport has launched a new website which features a journey planner, route timetables and fares, plus service updates and other extra information about services. MORE: goconnect.org.nz
#BusNews: Ex-Ritchies bus 645 has been purchased by Double Decker Transport Limited and has been named ‘Vera the Volvo’. Vera has been passed through several operators over the years.
#FerryNews: NZ Transit Buzz understands that Waitematā 1 (Aucklands first Hybrid-Electric ferry) has begun running as-hoc services between Downtown and Devonport. The ferry is expected to enter regular runs once the associated charging infrastructure is completed at Downtown.
#BusNews: Auckland Transport has wrapped NB5035 in a special Matariki wrap. The bus has the message 'Matariki Herenga Waka - For everyone' on 3 of its sides. Photos - Nathaniel Ethan Engels.
#BusNews: Auckland Transport has announced that the installation of driver safety screens on AT buses is now complete. The programme began in late 2024, has seen 80% of the AT fleet, the equivalent of 1,080 buses, retrofitted with protective screens.
AT also confirmed the contract includes five new standardised 24-metre "Metro Class" ferries that will feature low-emission diesel engines with electric or hybrid retrofit capability. The contract also enables the delivery of terminal improvements at West Harbour marina.
#FerryNews: Auckland Transport has announced that Canaipa (left) and Yalingbila (right) will be operating on the new Western ferry package when Belaire Ferries and Kelsian Group's marine division, SeaLink Australia, begin the new contract in July 2027.
#TransportNews: Inside this edition: A fresh look at Wellington’s new Tūhono trains, Link Alliance hands over the City Rail Link and a new ferry operator for Western Auckland ferries. Read the Weekly Review: nztransitbuzz.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...
#StationNews: Auckland City Centre Residents Group have shared that artworks will be projected onto a blank wall outside of Te Waihorotiu Station. The activation will run from July 4 until September 25, the projection will be on from 30 mins prior to sunset until midnight.
#StationNews: The Tuatapere Railway station building has reopened as a visitor and information hub and home to The Station café and Slinky’s Sourdough bakery following a refurbishment.
#BusNews: A new bus shelter has been fitted on King Street in Hikurangi. The shelter will see service from the Tuesday and Thursday Hikurangi Link. Pic - Hikurangi.co.nz Facebook Page.
#BusNews: Busit Waikato have announced the Free Family Adventure Pass is back for July School Holidays. Available from the 4th-19th July with up to 2 adults & 4 kids travel FREE on the Regional buses. Save the pass & show the driver. NB: 10 July is a Public Holiday Timetable.
The 4 existing Belaire ferries will be joined by 2 South-East Queensland ferries from Kelsian's operations. Eventually, 5 new ferries will enter service, with the first expected in mid-2028 and the others between 2029 and 2032.