Train commuters say they are delighted with the new electrified line in Pukekohe that connects Auckland's most southern station with the city's CBD.
Pukekohe Station closed in 2022 for KiwiRail to electrify the rail line to Papakura and preparation work for the City Rail Link set to open in 2026.
Until today, those travelling from Pukekohe had to use a bus connection to Papakura in order to access Auckland's electric rail line network.
"It's fantastic. I think it's it's great for for the greater South Auckland area," James, a passenger travelling to Pukekohe from Onehunga, said.
"My wife here is a native of Pukekohe and we have old friends here so we we love to come down here."
Opening day was not without teething issues though. James said some signalling issues on the line meant their trip had taken about an hour and a half.
Nevertheless, he was pleased with the service.
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
"It's a great encouragement for people just to hop on the train now and not having to to take a bus to Papakura. It's all the way through and a great encouragement to and with the circle line opening very shortly and to get to a lot more destinations very quickly.
"It's good for Auckland."
Those sentiments were shared by one commuter from the neighbouring town of Waiuku.
"I think it's going to be a big thing for me with the congestion and the traffic going through on the motorway, it's hideous."
Another commuter travelling from Pukekohe on Monday said she was relieved there was no longer a reliance on the bus connection to Papakura.
"On Saturday I had to catch five to six vehicles on public transport.
"This is going to be just brilliant, just being able to go straight through without even getting off and health wise it's easier just for me to get on a train and just go.
"No more five to six buses. Just one train, woohoo."
