the new arrivals. Completed in late 2024, the expansion includes 10 new stabling roads and enhanced maintenance facilities, ensuring each train receives regular inspections and upkeep every 10,000 kilometres. This infrastructure investment is crucial for maintaining peak performance and reliability across Auckland’ s rail system.
Batch 3 trains have a similar look and feel for customers, with a 3-car formation and improved features such as door anti-drag systems, Baseline 3 ETCS and enhanced energy efficiency, while also offering the customer some charging power through USB sockets. Once testing is complete, the new trains are expected to be fully integrated into the fleet by Q1 2026, offering faster, cleaner, and more frequent journeys for Aucklanders.
In addition, AOR took over maintenance of the fleet from current maintainers CAF New Zealand on 16 October. AOR now has responsibility for maintenance of both the current fleet of 72 3-car EMUs, and also the 23 additional units being delivered throughout 2025.
A long-term Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement( TSSSA) was signed with CAF New Zealand in May, smoothing the path to fleet transition in October.
“ The TSSSA represents a significant step forward in ensuring the continued reliability, safety, and performance of Auckland’ s metro fleet. We look forward to working closely with CAF New Zealand to deliver high-quality, sustainable rail services for Auckland,” says Martin. CAF will have a continued presence at Wiri and provide AOR with the spares required to maintain the fleet when AOR takes on the maintenance in October.
Pukekohe to Papakura
A $ 420m collaborative project between KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail extended the electrified rail network by approximately 20km from Papakura to Pukekohe in South Auckland.
Pukekohe Station re-opened for passenger services in February this year, marking a huge milestone for the local community, following a 2.5-year closure to allow for the electrification of the line between Papakura and Pukekohe stations.
6 CIRO | Bulletin 56
The opening of Pukekohe Station modernised Auckland’ s rail network and supports the current and future growth of the South Auckland area. Three new stations are currently under construction between Papakura and Pukekohe, all part of the plan to future proof the rail network and support new and growing communities in those areas.
Drury, Ngākōroa, and Paerātā stations are currently under construction with staggered completion dates through to 2027, based on a,“ build it and they will come” approach, in support of a surge in housing developments in the region.
AROC
Auckland One Rail also plays a pivotal role in the newly opened Auckland Rail Operations Centre( AROC) in Ellerslie- a state-of-the-art facility designed to revolutionise how Auckland’ s rail network is managed. Opened in March 2024, AROC has brought together Auckland One Rail, KiwiRail, and Auckland Transport under one roof to coordinate train control, infrastructure planning, station operations, crew management, and customer communications.
AOR’ s involvement ensures seamless integration of metro train operations with broader network planning. Their teams work alongside transport coordinators and infrastructure specialists to respond swiftly to disruptions, improve service reliability, and enhance passenger experience. The centre functions like an air traffic control hub for trains, monitoring routes, separation distances, and train order.
Gavin describes the facility as“ worldclass” in its construction and says it’ s now all about delivering the very best from the co-located teams there. With built-in resilience features- including earthquake protection, backup generators, and redundant servers, as well as the ability to be operated remotely from Wellington ROC(& vice versa)- AROC is designed to withstand emergencies and support future rail expansion.
“ AOR’ s presence at AROC marks a major step forward in delivering smarter, safer, and more connected rail services for Auckland,” says Gavin.
Future Technology
AOR, which has the European Train Control System( ETCS Level 1) on all its trains, is supporting KiwiRail and Auckland Transport in scoping the implementation of ETCS Level 2. ETCS Level 2 would enhance safety, efficiency, and capacity across the rail network, while being an enabler for Automatic Train Operation( ATO) or the use of platform screen doors.
“ Ultimately, it lays the foundation for a smarter, more resilient rail system that meets Auckland’ s future transport needs,” says Gavin.
AOR is currently at the investigation phase of ATO functionality and any potential introduction to the EMU fleet, with the focus on improving service reliability, punctuality, and energy efficiency across its network.
“ Drivers remain an essential part of onboard operations moving forward, but clearly with increased frequencies and minimum headways, every train being consistent, particularly in the CRL will be key,” Gavin adds.
Martin says the technology marks a major step toward modernising Auckland’ s rail system and delivering world-class public transport and is especially vital as the CRL opens and passenger volumes increase.
“ At AOR, we’ re reshaping Auckland’ s rail network by integrating cuttingedge technology like ETCS Level 2 and ATO, expanding our fleet with Batch 3 EMUs, and harnessing real-time coordination at AROC. These innovations will deliver higher capacity, greater reliability, and a world-class passenger experience across Auckland’ s growing metro rail system.”
City Rail Link
Martin says AOR is proud to play a pivotal role in supporting the transformative City Rail Link( CRL) project and is working closely with CRL Ltd, Link Alliance, Auckland Transport, and KiwiRail to ensure seamless integration of operations, infrastructure, and customer experience as the city prepares for a new era of rail travel.
The CRL will double the capacity of Auckland’ s rail network by creating a 3.45-kilometre underground link between Waitematā( previously known as Britomart) and Maungawhau( previously known as Mount Eden) stations. AOR will also have the ability to further boost capacity with 9-car trains post-CRL opening.