txtTRAIN user guide

Who can use txtTRAIN?

Anyone with a Telecom, 2 degrees or Vodafone mobile phone whether on prepay or an account.

How much does txtTRAIN cost?

• All txtTRAIN messages cost 20 cents (including GST) and are not included in any free text allowances or special offers (eg, Telecom $10 txt or Vodafone Supa Prepay). All charges are billed by the mobile phone network provider. Contact your mobile phone network for any billing issues.

How does txtTRAIN work?

• To find out the times the next two scheduled trains are due to depart, simply text the first four letters of the station you’re catching the train from and your destination station, e.g. for travel from Wellington to Johnsonville text “WELL JOHN” to TRN (876).
• To find out future scheduled departure times (up to 23 hours ahead), text the first four letters of the stations where you are catching and leaving the train from, plus the future time you’re planning to travel, to TRN (876), e.g. “WELL JOHN@1930” to TRN (876).
• Remember to use the 24 hour clock, e.g. for 2.00pm key in 1400.

 Within a few seconds Metlink will reply with the timetable information you asked for.

What does the reply message look like?

There are two types of reply messages

• If the trip can be made with a direct journey: "Metlink txtTRAIN: PETO-WELL 10:20-10:35 or 10:25-10:40 or 10:30-10:45. Enjoy your trip."

• If a transfer is required:"Metlink txtTRAIN:PETO-WELL/WELL-PORI 10:20-10:35/10:45-11:10 or 10:25-10:40/10:50-11:15 or 10:30-10:45/10:55-11:20. Enjoy your trip."

What if my train is delayed?

txtTRAIN only provides scheduled train times, it can’t tell you if your train is running early or late. 

txtTRAIN does not provide real-time information on actual train arrival or departure times. We will endeavour to inform users of major disruptions to services such as roadworks, parades, stop work meetings, etc., where possible.

Where can I use txtTRAIN?

txtTRAIN works on all Metlink train lines – even for trips between stations on different lines, e.g. between Paraparaumu and Upper Hutt. 

Why should I use txtTRAIN?

It’s easy, fast and convenient!  There’s no need to carry train timetables around with you or walk to the station to see when the next train goes. The information is right there on your mobile phone, when you want it.

How can I find out more about txtTRAIN?

To find out more information about txtTRAIN text “info” to TRN (876) or call Metlink on

0800 801 700.

Points to remember

Please keep in mind the following when you use txtTRAIN:

• The scheduled times you will receive for the next two trains from a particular station will be either for immediately or for the next 23 hours, depending on which service you use
• The scheduled times sent to your mobile phone for most stations are approximate only. We suggest you arrive at your station 5 minutes before the departure time shown.
• txtTRAIN is based on scheduled or departure times only and does not provide real-time information on actual train arrival or departure times. We will endeavour to inform users of major disruptions to services such as roadworks, parades, stop work meetings, etc., where possible.

Error messages

Errors could occur if:

• you text an incorrect or non-existent station name abbreviation
• you text using numbers rather than letters in the station name e.g. Crofton Downs “cr0f”
• there are no train trips in the next 23 hours serving the station
• the system is down and the message will say the system is not available
• you text wrong information you will receive a message to say "sorry there are no train services that satisfy your request. For help phone Metlink on 0800 801 700".