After years in the making, a new commuter service between Waikato and Auckland is finally under way.
Inside the new Te Huia train. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett
Te Huia service pulled out of Hamilton for the first time this morning.
It will be running twice each weekday morning, and back again in the late afternoon and evening.
The new Te Huia train leaving Hamilton on Tuesday morning. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett
The train starts at Frankton and stops at The Base and Huntly before arriving in Papakura in just over an hour and a half.
From there, commuters transfer to Auckland public transport to complete their journey.
Each of the two trains has four carriages which can carry up to 150 passengers.
Driver Sunny Witana was in charge of the second train to Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett
Driver Sunny Witana, who was at the controls of the second morning train from Frankton to Papakura, was impressed.
"It handles really well and it's got a bit of get up and go - it's really nice to drive. Riding in the carriage is also really smooth."
The $90 million train service is a five-year trial and includes trips on selected Saturdays, which will be free for SuperGold card holders.
It is estimated the trains will remove up to 73,000 return car trips between the two cities annually.
Mercy, centre, who turns 17 today, is celebrating her birthday with family by going on her first trip on a train, taking the Te Huia service on its first day. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett
Ben is planning to commute to Papakura about three times a week. He says it will make his commuting time more useful, and hopes demand for the train service is strong enough for it to be extended. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett
Public transport campaigner Niall Robertson says he hopes the route will extend further into Auckland in the not too distant future. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett
The first Te Huia commuter train from Hamilton to Auckland arrives at Papakura on Tuesday morning. Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett