Ahead of next week’s blockbuster derby between Auckland FC and the Wellington Phoenix, Auckland Transport (AT) has unveiled a new specially branded train.
Dubbed ‘The Auckland Express ’, the livery was created to recognise that fans can now enjoy free bus and train travel to all Auckland FC home games this season.
The train is expected to be in service for fans using it to travel to the derby on Saturday, 7 November, when, thanks to the newly opened City Rail Link, they’ll be able to travel from Waitematā Station to Penrose Station in just 23 minutes.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said the train was a symbol of the city’s support for events and the moments that bring people together.
Brown said: “I love trains and I love events that get people out enjoying all the city has to offer. Put them together, and it creates a fantastic way for people to get to see the country’s number one football team.
The Mayor was also delighted to see a couple of his favourite players feature on the livery, including Grand Final hero, Cam Howieson.
“Cam’s a great player with a great story who really seized his chance at Auckland FC. It’s great to see him recognised in this way.”
Also featuring on the train are captain and defender Hiroki Sakai and striker Sam Cosgrove.
To watch the players in action, fans simply need to show their match ticket to travel to and from Go Media Stadium on Auckland’s bus and rail network at no extra cost. Free travel will be available from 1.30pm until the end of service that evening.
Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker, said integrated ticketing made attending a game much more affordable, particularly for families looking for a value-for-money day out.
“The train is a fantastic addition to our match day experience and looks awesome. Many of our fans already use buses and trains to get to the stadium. We hope that with integrated ticketing, plus the CRL and this great new train branding, many more are encouraged to get on board,” said Becker.
AT Executive General Manager Network Planning and Performance Richard Harrison says the partnership with Auckland FC on The Auckland Express train and integrated ticketing is all about making it easier for fans to connect to a winning evening out with their team.
“In the past a lot of Auckland FC fans may have driven and parked in Penrose, but now it’s never been easier to take the whole family on the train direct to Penrose Station, which is a very short walk to the stadium.
“The City Rail Link has made it even easier for fans to get to the stadium, and taking driving and parking out of the equation is one less headache for Auckland FC fans to consider.
“Auckland FC have quickly become Tāmaki Makaurau favourites, and so has City Rail Link, so it is great we can connect the two with this special train,” says Harrison.
Travelling to Go Media Stadium with City Rail Link
The opening of City Rail Link (CRL) has made it easier than ever for football fans from across Auckland to get to Go Media Stadium, with three new lines unlocking new and better connections, including direct train service from west Auckland for the first time.
Travelling by train from the city
With the opening of the City Rail Link, there are now frequent train services to Penrose from three city centre stations. From Waitematā, Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape stations, catch the South City Line (S-C) to Penrose for Go Media Stadium.
If you’re coming from West or East Auckland on the East West Line (E-W), you can transfer to the South City Line at any of these stations.
Travelling by train from South Auckland
Travelling from South Auckland? Train directly to Penrose on the new South City Line (S-C) for events at Go Media Stadium. Easy.
Train directly to Penrose Station on the South City Line (S-C) for events at Go Media Stadium.
Travelling by train from East Auckland
Take the East West Line (E-W) from Manukau and transfer to the South City Line (S-C) between Puhinui and Ōtāhuhu. Then get off at Penrose for Go Media Stadium.
Travelling by train and bus from West Auckland
You can travel directly to Penrose Station from as far as Henderson Station on the Onehunga West Line (O-W). If you’re coming from further West, take the East West Line to Karanga-a-Hape Station, then transfer to the South City Line to reach Penrose, or transfer to the O-W Line at any station after Henderson.
If you’re travelling by bus from west Auckland, the Western Express 1 (WX1) will take you to Te Waihorotiu Station where you can transfer to the South City Line (S-C) and get off at Penrose Station.
On the East West Line (E-W) travel to Karanga-a-Hape Station and transfer to the South City Line (S-C) to get off at Penrose Station. If you’re travelling on the Onehunga West Line (O-W) your train will leave you at Penrose Station.
If you’re travelling by bus from West Auckland, the Western Express 1 (WX1) will leave you outside Te Waihorotiu Station, where you can transfer to a South City Line (S-C) train and get off at Penrose Station.
Travelling by bus and train from North Auckland
Take the Northern Express 2 (NX2) bus to Te Waihorotiu Station and then transfer to the South City Line (S-C) to Penrose Station. Or take the Northern Express (NX1) close to Waitematā Station and then transfer to the S-C Line to Penrose Station.
Ferry travel is not included with integrated ticketing.
