Currently, there are actions being taken to upgrade train services within Auckland with “new carriages, electrification, station upgrades plus more frequent services at all times of the day,” (Auckland Transport 2011). We can see that the Council is working on this with the major upgrade of the Newmarket train station which “has recently been voted one of the country's best new buildings,” (Auckland Transport 2011).
However, there are many other train stations around Auckland that look run down and although are not as widely used as the Newmarket station, really need an upgrade.
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| Image 1: The recently upgraded Newmarket Train Station Source: Auckland Transport 2011 |
I have also noticed that many train stations within Auckland have been placed in areas with low visibility, in areas that seem dangerous. The Otahuhu train station for example is in the middle of an industrial zone and the Homai train station is in a quiet, secluded area, where highschool kids often go to fight. Catching the train at night and getting off at these stations seems unsafe and can highly discourage people from using the rail service. Some stations also have poor quality lighting at night, which makes these places even more dangerous. With “over 7.5 million passenger journeys per annum and expectations of this continuing to grow,” (Auckland Transport 2011) the Council must ensure that the upgrades happen sooner rather than later.
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