Buses replacing trains

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 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 are not regular bus services, so they don't have online timetables like regular bus routes, display in the journey planner, or accept Snapper cards for fares. They also 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 listed on each line's page above, and in the "Stop Information" tab on station real time departure pages.

Stop departures page  

 

 

Stop information panel

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

Train tickets are used to board buses that replace trains. Show staff your monthly pass, get your 10-trip ticket clipped, or purchase a ticket with cash from the staff. Snapper is not accepted on buses replacing trains.

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.