Buses replacing trains

Buses replacing trains have different journey times than trains, and may be different to your regular train departure times. Service alerts will detail which services are replaced by bus. Planned bus replacement schedules and timetables can be viewed by selecting a train line above. 

Buses replacing trains are not regular bus services. They do not have online timetables or display in the journey planner, and bus arrivals do not display the real time information online or at bus stops. Service alert messages will display on real-time information displays on the train platforms, however.

Buses replacing trains have longer journey times than train services due to traffic and station access for vehicles, like large buses. When a portion of a train line is replaced by bus - for example between Porirua and Waikanae - buses are scheduled to connect with train arrivals and departures, but may not always be timed perfectly due to the above reasons.

Buses replacing trains are not regular bus services, so they don't have online timetables like regular bus routes, or display in the journey planner. They do not appear on real time information displays.

Buses replacing trains are not tracked by GPS, so the bus arrivals do not display as real time information online or at bus stops. Service alert messages will be displayed on real-time information displays on the train platforms, however. 

Bus stops

Some bus replacement stops are directly outside the station or in the Park & ride (carpark). Others are combined with regular bus stops, which may not have shelter or seats available. In some cases, bus replacement stops are a short walk from the station, due to limited vehicle access to some stations. It's a good idea to check both your departure and arrival stations for bus replacement stops, so that you can adjust your journey plan, if needed.

Stop locations are visible on the map by selecting "Buses replacing trains bus stops" from the Show on map tab.

Which bus to catch

Most buses have electronic signs on the front that will say where the bus is going, and whether it is stopping at all stations or running an express service. Please ask on-board staff if you are unsure which bus to catch.

Paying your fare

Snapper is accepted on buses replacing trains. Cash fares can be purchased on board.

When buses replace trains, tag on and tag off on the bus replacing the train - not on the platform. If it is not possible to tag on the bus that is replacing your train for any reason, you will still be able to travel.

Buses replacing trains (BRT) - When buses replace part of a train service, you'll need to tag on and tag off on the platform for the train portion of your journey, and also tag on and tag off on the bus replacing the train (e.g. tag on at Upper Hutt platform to travel by train to Petone, tagging off on the Petone platform. Walk to the BRT bus stop, and tag onto the BRT bus as you board at Petone, tag off at Wellington as you exit the bus).

Accessibility

Accessible buses are used for all scheduled bus replacements, however Wairarapa Line bus replacements do sometimes use coaches to make the longer journey more comfortable. Last-minute bus replacements, which are used in emergencies and disruptions, can not be guaranteed to have accessible vehicles. If you have mobility requirements, please contact the Metlink Service Centre or talk to a Metlink staff member to help plan your journey.

Bikes & prams

If capacity allows, bicycles may be carried on a cycle rack if the bus is fitted with one, otherwise only folding cycles may be carried. All folded prams can be carried on board the bus replacement services when stored in the luggage areas, non-foldable prams may not be able to be carried on all bus replacements, please talk to on-board staff when boarding.

Buses replacing trains will stop at every station's bus replacement stop. You do not need to press the red "stop" buttons to request the next stop. If you are unsure where your stop is, please ask on-board staff.

It's a good idea to check both your departure and arrival stations for bus replacement stops in advance, so that you can adjust your journey plans, if needed.

The signalling system directs trains around the network safely, and also keeps them spaced apart to avoid collision.

The signalling system is the brain that drives the points which direct trains where to go and also activates level crossing alarms when a train is approaching. During a maintenance period staff can replace the mechanical or electrical parts of points and repair or replace signals components.

Signal maintenance on the Hutt Valley line.

This is the overhead power source that provides the electrical power to the Matangi units around the Wellington region. This includes the structures that support the wire, the overhead wires themselves, and the substations along the rail corridor that supply the power. During work on the network, traction staff perform general maintenance, inspections and replace sections of overhead wire or the structures that support it.  

Traction staff are also responsible for making sure the overhead power is switched off during major works.

Traction staff working on overhead lines near Wellington station.

There are 60 bridges and 16 tunnels in the Wellington area. These vary in length from a few meters to the Remutaka tunnel which is 8.8km long, the second longest rail tunnel in New Zealand. During work on the network crews perform regular maintenance and inspections of these structures. During the longer maintenance periods bridge spans, sleepers and rail can be replaced, and strengthening can be carried out. 

Bridge span being replaced on the Hutt Valley line.

During work on the network many other parties make use of the safe access to the rail corridor. Contractors trim and remove vegetation, repair platforms, spray weeds, remove graffiti, clear loose rock on cliffs, and remove dumped rubbish. Specialist railway machinery such as a Tamper/Regulator (machines used to align long sections of the track and compact the formation around the sleepers) or Ballast Cleaner are often used towards the end of a maintenance period to restore the line to normal. 

Tamper on the Hutt Valley line.