Train services resume into Auckland CBD after false fire alarm at Waitematā Station

Passengers on Auckland Transport (AT) trains are being instructed to offload from trains coming into Britomart's Waitematā Station. Photo / NZ Herald

Listen to this article — Train services resume into Auckland CBD after false fire alarm at Waitematā Station

Train services on three lines heading into Auckland’s CBD are returning to normal after passengers were forced to offload due to a fire alarm at the city’s main Waitematā Station.

The emergency affected services on the western, eastern and southern lines, with Auckland Transport (AT) warning passengers to still “expect delays and cancellations” as it initiates a schedule recovery plan.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand told the Herald there was a false fire alarm activation in the downtown station.

Passengers on one citybound Eastern Line service were instructed to leave the train carriages at Ōrākei Station and seek alternative transport shortly after 8.30am.

Affected services were required to offload passengers at either Newmarket or Ōrākei Stations, but AT said it has since received clearance for trains to proceed with Waitematā Station reopening in an update shortly after 9am.

A Herald reporter at Ōrākei Station said all passengers were offloaded, and hundreds of people were now waiting for Ubers along the narrow Ōrākei Peninsula.

Passengers waiting for alternative transport after offloading at Ōrākei Station. Photo / NZ Herald

“I’m not sure what the next step is. Maybe a rail bus, all I know is that you have to offload,” the train driver told those stranded heading into the city.

An AT spokesperson confirmed the station was evacuated around 8.25am due to a fire alarm activation, but this has since been cleared and the station has reopened.

“There was no fire, and train services are back up and running,” they said.

“There have been delays and cancellations to some train services across all three lines this morning as a result, and there will be some further delays as services catch up to their regular schedules.”

Rail tickets will be accepted on scheduled buses, the AT spokesperson said.

“We’re asking customers for their patience and to check the AT Mobile app or the AT Journey Planner for the latest information about train services and alternative public transport options.”

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