Capital's trains running again after morning delays

Thursday, 25 June 2020

Kapiti line train commuters waiting at Porirua Station faced delays and reduced services, after a mechanical fault caused by a track obstruction.

Wellington's trains will be running as normal for the evening rush.

A mechanical issue left Wellington without trains on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

As of 9:10am, services returned to full capacity, though three damaged carriages were still undergoing repairs.

The issue, caused by damage from a misplaced rail, meant no trains were running on the Hutt Valley and Melling lines, for which services were replaced by buses.

* Most Wellington passenger train services resume

* Train drags derailed wagons 200 metres and cripples capital commute

Wellington commuters are being told to expect significant delays with bus replacements on the Hutt Valley and Melling lines due to a mechanical fault.

* More Wellington buses for Friday commuters following Thursday disruptions

The Kāpiti Line ran as a reduced service, with no express trains during the morning peak.

KiwiRail chief operating officer Todd Moyle said the issue was caused by a misplaced piece of replacement rail.

Train commuters at the Porirua station were facing crowded trains and long delays on Thursday morning.

“We believe it has been caused by rail that has recently been replaced on the Kāpiti line. As is our usual practice, the old rail is left to the side of the track until rerailing in the wider area is completed and a train is brought in to remove the three-tonne lengths of rail.

“It appears a small component on the underside of the metro trains has come into contact with one of these sections of old rail. We are investigating how this occurred and do sincerely apologise for the disruption this has caused.

“A full inspection of the Wellington network is being undertaken to ensure that there are no other objects that could contact these components.”

Both the Johnsonville and Wairarapa lines ran as normal throughout.

On Wednesday night, Metlink advised commuters to make alternative arrangements, or to work from home.

On Thursday morning, NZTA reiterated the advice, warning people should expect significant delays.

One commuter told Stuff traffic was heavier than normal at 5.45am, but no one appeared to be waiting at Waterloo Station, so it appeared people had received the message.