The Train's are Back!!

For the first time in 28 years, a passenger rail train left Helensville Railway station this morning taking commuters through to Auckland. The new service which is running for twelve months as a trial was launched this morning by ARC Chairman Mike Lee and had several Councillors on board, including Rodney Mayor Penny Webster.

The last service ran in 1980 and there has been a big push to reinstate a commuter service over the last couple of years. Two trains run from Helensville, the first at 6.32 am (arriving in Auckland approximately 8.07 am) and the second is an evening run at 7.15 pm (arriving in Auckland just before 9.00 pm). The evening commuter service home from Auckland leaves Britomart Station at 5.30 pm and arrives in Helensville just after 7.oo pm. At $9.10 per trip (with concession tickets available) and with the rising cost of fuel and parking, this has got to become a popular way to get to work for the people of West Rodney.

Check out the MAXX Auckland Regional travel website to see if the trains are a viable option for you and give them a go.