There has been a significant jump in the number of passengers boarding trains at Otahuhu since the opening of the new station and introduction of new bus and train services in south Auckland.
The two events were celebrated at the end of last month and the success of the combination is already being reflected in patronage through the new station, which serves both buses and trains. The New Network bus service ensures that more buses arrive at the station from other parts of south Auckland throughout the day to connect with frequent trains.
Since it was opened by the Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Mayor Phil Goff on 29 October the number of train boardings from Otahuhu has doubled.
Immediately before the opening there was an average of 540 passengers getting on trains at Otahuhu on a weekday but now there is an average of 1045 passengers boarding each business day.
Auckland Transport’s Group Manager, AT Metro Operations, Brendon Main said Otahuhu has moved from being one of the least used stations to about 20th out of 40.
Main said reasons for previous low passenger numbers for the station were its semi-industrial location, distance from the Otahuhu town centre and access across busy roads.
“All this added to the fact that the station was hidden behind stacks of containers and has been a building site for the past year may have accounted for low patronage. However, the past few weeks has proved that providing easier access to a more attractive station by regular bus services has certainly tipped the balance back to public transport.“
Main said a key reason for developing the Otahuhu Station is its location as a hub for surrounding suburbs. “With the New Network now settling into place we can expect to see continuing increases in the numbers using the station, as has already occurred at Panmure.”
“Panmure started off with a relatively low growth rate but is now one of the busiest stations on the suburban rail network. Following integration of the bus network we are optimistic that we will see similar growth patterns at Otahuhu stimulated by integrated fares which have turned a combined bus and train journey into a single trip on a wave of the AT HOP card.”
