City Rail Link opening

The story so far

Auckland Transport scheduled three free open days in August for the three new City Rail Link stations before the official opening.^{27 Jul} Officials did not confirm an opening date for the $5.4 to $5.5 billion project, though reports pointed to a Sunday in early September.^{28 Jul; 4 Aug} The opening date of Sunday, 13 September 2026 was revealed on a central city billboard before the official announcement.^{6 Aug; 18 Sep} Train use rose sharply in the weeks after opening, with more than two million trips in the first month. Separately, Auckland may need up to $3.5 billion for road upgrades near the line.^{1, 30 Sep; 14 Oct}

Latest

More than two million train trips were made in the first month, and two-thirds used the new stations and tunnels.^{14 Oct} The fourth week was the region's second busiest for rail use, according to Auckland Transport.^{14 Oct}

Key moments

1. 28 JulOfficials decline to give a specific opening date for the project
2. 6 AugOpening date of 13 September 2026 revealed on a city billboard
3. 18 SepBillboards displayed opening date ten hours early; internal emails cite breach
4. 30 SepDaily train trips rise nearly 60 per cent in first two weeks
5. 14 OctMore than two million train trips recorded in the first month

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.