Auckland: City Rail Link Timetable Test Reveals Minor Delays

Auckland Transport tests the City Rail Link timetable with 84 trains, identifying minor delays before the 2026 launch, crucial for handling rising passenger demand.

Auckland: City Rail Link Timetable Test Reveals Minor Delays
January 27, 2026 5:38 pm
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🛑 Key Takeaways:
  • Auckland Transport is conducting a two-day, full-network simulation for the City Rail Link, with trains running empty to test the new timetable.
  • The test involves over 280 staff and 84 trains, revealing minor logistical issues such as simultaneous depot departures.
  • The testing phase is critical to ensure operational reliability ahead of the 2026 launch, as Auckland experiences a rebound in international travel and passenger demand.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Auckland Transport (AT) is conducting a full-scale timetable simulation for its new City Rail Link (CRL) network on January 27-28, a final testing phase that has identified minor operational hurdles ahead of the scheduled public launch later in 2026. The test, which involves running passenger-free services, has caused some commuter disruption, with rail replacement buses operating at a 10-minute peak frequency.

CategorySpecification / Detail
ProjectCity Rail Link (CRL) Timetable Simulation
OperatorAuckland Transport (AT)
Personnel InvolvedOver 280 train drivers and managers
Assets Under Test84 trains
Passenger MitigationRail replacement buses (10-minute peak frequency)
Identified IssuesMinor delays in simultaneous depot dispatch
Target Launch2026

Operational & Technical Details

The current simulation moves the CRL’s operational plan from digital modeling to a real-world environment. According to Stacey Van Der Putten, AT’s Director of Public Transport, the test has successfully stress-tested the system. “Some issues have arisen… including minor delays getting 84 trains out of the depot simultaneously,” Van Der Putten stated. These issues are now being actively addressed.

The primary goal is to familiarize train crews with new routes through Auckland’s city centre. It also aims to resolve logistical challenges before the network carries paying passengers. During the test period, AT has deployed customer service teams to assist commuters, who are facing longer waits for replacement buses during peak hours.

Market Impact Analysis

The rigorous testing is vital for ensuring the CRL can handle anticipated passenger loads from its first day of operation. The launch is timed as international travel to Auckland rebounds significantly. Data shows major carriers, including Air China and China Southern Airlines, are already increasing flight capacity to Auckland for the 2025/26 season to meet strengthening demand. This influx of travellers and residents will place immediate pressure on the city’s transport infrastructure, making a reliable, high-capacity rail network essential for managing urban mobility.

📅 Originally Published: December 2025
For context on this project’s history, Dunkirk and Modalis Group previously announced their plans to cut emissions and congestion with a new road-rail terminal.

➤ Read More: Dunkirk & Modalis Launch Road-Rail Terminal to Cut Emissions & Congestion


FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the purpose of this testing?

The testing allows train crews to learn new routes and enables Auckland Transport to identify and fix operational problems, such as train scheduling and depot dispatch, before the CRL network opens to the public.

When is the expected completion date?

The timetable testing runs on January 27 and 28, 2026. The full City Rail Link network is scheduled to launch for public service later in 2026.