Train services across the Wellington region, including routes used by Porirua commuters, will be replaced by buses over the Easter and Anzac long weekends as upgrade work continues on the rail network.
KiwiRail will carry out maintenance and upgrade works from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April, and again from Sunday 26 to Monday 27 April. During these periods, buses will replace trains on the Kāpiti, Hutt Valley, Johnsonville and Wairarapa lines.
The works are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the network ahead of new trains expected to enter service from 2028 to 2029, bringing faster and more frequent services to the Wairarapa and Manawatū lines.
Greater Wellington Public Transport Committee chair Ros Connelly said long weekends were chosen to reduce disruption.
“Like all assets, the rail network must have timely maintenance and renewal work done to ensure that our Metlink trains can keep running,” Connelly said.
“We do everything we can to avoid rail closures at peak times on busy weekdays, and long weekends allow a significant amount of work to be done in a short time.”
Connelly acknowledged ongoing disruption across the region, particularly linked to major infrastructure projects in the Hutt Valley, and encouraged people to continue using public transport.
“Taking public transport, including a bus replacement, means there are fewer private cars on the road which will help ease congestion,” she said.
KiwiRail general manager for Wellington Metro Andy Lyon said the upgrades were essential to future-proof the network.
“We’re making the line ready to carry new trains and more services, shift freight, and play our part in building a high-quality, low carbon transport network for the region,” Lyon said.
“To get these big jobs done we need uninterrupted time on tracks. We know taking trains out of service is disruptive, and we appreciate your patience.”
Work planned includes track and rail replacements, preparation for new substations along the Hutt and Kāpiti lines, and signalling and barrier arm upgrades on the Wairarapa Line.
Replacement buses will depart from Platform 10 at Wellington Station and from designated stops elsewhere. Passengers are encouraged to check the Metlink website or app before travelling.
Train services will run on Anzac Day, Friday 25 April, with extra capacity planned for the evening Warriors game.