Some Auckland trains are running behind schedule, further delaying commuters' morning trips, due to a temporary timetable change caused by train staff refusing to work overtime.
Auckland commuters face longer delays on their ride into town for the next three weeks. Photo: Supplied/Auckland Transport
The industrial action - which is set to last for three weeks - coincides with the start of the busiest period for public transport as students return to university.
It was standing room only on the trains heading into the city this morning.
Some workers and students said they would now be late and they were considering alternative arrangements for the three weeks of the new timetable.
One woman said a co-worker at Ellerslie station couldn't get on two trains becuase they were too full.
Standing room only. Students and workers tell me they’ll now be late but overwhelming support for train staff in their action. Most people I spoke to want Auck Transport to sort the issues so train schedules can get back on track. pic.twitter.com/EcMAqKiRjv
— Laura Tupou (@LauraTupou) February 25, 2018
Trains on the Southern, Eastern and Western lines are now scheduled to come every 20 minutes at peak times.
The Onehunga and Pukekohe weekday train services will have the usual timetable. Bus and ferry services are not affected.
Auckland Transport said there will be more carriages, so each service would hold up to 900 passengers.
But it said 10,000 people use the train service between 6.30am and 8.30am in the morning and 4.30pm and 6.30pm in the afternoon.
Due to industrial action by the RMTU trains are running at a 20-minute frequency today on Southern, Western and Eastern lines during peak. Six-car trains will run on as many services as possible to help reduce impact. https://t.co/nkb87lnT4Z pic.twitter.com/MwfoBe0BQS
— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) February 25, 2018
Auckland Transport said there were more buses running and some people may be able to travel at off-peak times.
The Rail and Maritime Union said it had safety concerns about a proposal to give train drivers the responsibility of opening and closing doors.
