Statement: Hutt Valley Line disruption Wednesday 7 June

Statement from Metlink acting Group Manager Fiona Abbott:

We have been informed by our rail operator, Transdev, that 11 Hutt Valley train services were replaced by buses this morning due to an outbreak of COVID, affecting more than 25 staff; this meant the services could not safely operate. The affected services were:

• 7.00 am, 8.40am and 9.20am from Upper Hutt to Wellington
• 7.47am and 8.30am from Wellington to Upper Hutt
• 6:40am, 7:00am, 8:00am and 8:20am from Taita to Wellington
• 7.34am from Wellington to Melling and 7.56am from Melling to Wellington

Transdev arranged for buses to collect passengers from stations along the Hutt Valley and Melling lines.

As this occurred during the morning peak, the bus replacements quickly filled up and were unable to pick up passengers at certain stations. Metlink is aware passengers had to wait between 20-40 minutes for the next arriving train.

We understand our customers’ frustration at having their morning commute disrupted by the outbreak. Regrettably, it is very difficult to source additional bus replacements during peak times due to the limited number of available buses and drivers.

Metlink is aware the outbreak will have an impact on this afternoons’ rail services and possibly for the rest of week. We are working with Transdev to minimise disruption to passengers.

We encourage all rail passengers to check the Metlink website and app for up-to-date travel information.