Vital rail upgrades to continue over Labour Weekend

All Metlink trains will be replaced by buses over Labour Weekend, when major infrastructure upgrades are progressed as part of work to strengthen and build resilience into the rail network.

From Saturday 24 to Monday 26 October, buses replace trains on all lines for all three days, giving KiwiRail crews uninterrupted access to progress multiple projects while fewer people are travelling. 

Work over the long weekend will include line renewals and tunnel work, alongside preparatory work for the new substation at Naenae. 

The substation is one of several being built to increase the power available to the rail network, supporting improvements to services, including the introduction of the new battery electric Tūhono trains from 2029.

Rail replacement buses will follow the normal weekend timetable for train services on Saturday and Sunday, and the Sunday timetable on Labour Day Monday.

At Wellington Railway Station, all buses replacing trains will arrive at and depart from Platform 10. Passengers using rail replacement services should tag on and off onboard the bus, except on the Wairarapa Line. 

Passengers traveling on Wairarapa Line bus replacements should tag on and off at station platforms or the validator outside 73 Main Street, in Greytown.

Off-peak fares will apply throughout Labour Weekend. SuperGold cardholders can travel free all day on Saturday and Sunday and the public holiday Monday.

Metlink bus and harbour ferry services will operate normally on Saturday and Sunday and to a Sunday timetable on Labour Day Monday. 

After Midnight bus services will run as usual on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Rail passengers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel and check the Metlink app or website before leaving home.

For the latest travel information and details of planned rail closures, visit the Metlink website or app, or call 0800 801 700.