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Public transport is going to be the key to get people to the big RWC 2011 matches at Eden Park.
There will be nine 6-car trains lined up to transport fans from Kingsland to Britomart after matches. They will depart at five minute intervals giving the ability to transport 15,000 fans.
84 buses will transport up to 7000 fans all around the region.
Auckland RWC 2011 Transport Director Bruce Barnard today unveiled how it’s going to work.
He managed transport for major events such as the Australian Grand Prix and the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Based on that experience, he believes Auckland’s transport system will be ready.
Eden Park is almost ready for the thousands
“We are aiming to get 75% of people out of their cars for the finals and 60% for pool matches. We believe this is achievable based on other major events.”
Of the 60,000 fans expected to pack Eden Park for the tournament’s biggest matches, Barnard says the majority will travel by train, bus or coach.
“In order for that to happen this plan makes public transport a priority. It includes dedicated tournament rail and bus services, capacity for more than 80 coaches, restricted parking areas and extra taxi ranks.”
He says the growth of public transport in Auckland recently is a good sign.
“A couple of years ago just 1500 people used public transport to get to a Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park. Last year that figure was up to 12,000.”
The plan lists as the necessary infrastructure developments in the Eden Park region:
- Morningside Station upgrade (completed August )
- Kingsland Station upgrade (to be completed July)
- Eden Park bus terminal (included in Eden Park redevelopment to be completed October)
- The link lane between Sandringham and Walters Rds (to be completed September)
- Sandringham Rd realignment and bus lane (to be completed December)
Pedestrian improvements continue around Eden Park
3 Comments
He’s optimistic isn’t he? Surely this relies on a rail system that he-who-will-not-be-named is not prepared to invest in? I’m not so sure about this :S
I’m pleased its the same person that worked on the Australian GP, I’ve been the last 2yrs and the transport after the race is pretty amazing. Less than 40mins from deciding to leave the track along with a couple 100 thousand others at the same time and we were back in the city ready for the evening. Granted that event had the advantage of lots of exits and stations for Trams/light-rail, though there were probably 3 main ones.
As long as the games start and end outside peak traffic times the plans look ok also allowing for no breakdowns *touch-wood* as you alluded to William M.
@William M - originally we would have had the new trains and electrification of the section of track between Kingsland and Britomart, however Joyce’s bumbling had meant we’ll be relying on the trains we have now. I’m sure they’ll choose the most reliable 9 trains we have and have them waiting.