City Rail Link – Connecting Auckland

Deep beneath the streets of Auckland, the city’s transit map has been redrafted. Auckland Transport estimates the CRL will dramatically improve access to the city and double the number of people living within a 30-minute train journey of the city center. The new network is expected to encourage greater use of public transport, reduce traffic congestion, and support the continued growth of New Zealand’s largest city.

At the heart of this transformation are four key stations. Maungawhau Station has been redeveloped and Waitematā Station has been transformed from a terminus into a through-station. Two new underground stations at Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape have also been added. These stations will connect the existing rail lines through the city centre, and significantly increase the capacity, frequency, and efficiency of Auckland’s rail system. In doing so, they’ll help move thousands of passengers safely and comfortably every day. That is where our contribution plays a vital role.

"The CRL provides commuters with more direct routes and shorter journey times," says Ron Perez, Head of Service for Schindler New Zealand. "Our units will ensure that they can get from street level to the platforms smoothly even at peak travel times."

Across Karanga-a-Hape, Maungawhau and Te Waihorotiu stations, our team has supplied and installed 34 Schindler 9700 escalators and 18 Schindler 5500 lifts. Strategically placed throughout the stations, they’re essential to the passenger experience, ensuring people can move quickly and safely to get to their destination.

Deep connections

Their importance is perhaps most evident at Karanga-a-Hape Station, which is the deepest railway station in New Zealand. Located beneath the Karangahape Road precinct, the station features New Zealand’s longest escalators at 43 meters, which carries passengers 33 meters down to the platforms below.

"At Karanga-a-Hape Station, our escalators are the equivalent of travelling down a 10-storey building," says Huseyin Yalaz, Head of Fulfilment for New Installations and Modernisation. “It’s quite a ride. They are what you would see in any major train station around the world and the first of their kind for New Zealand which is exciting.”

Our Schindler 9700 escalators are designed to handle high passenger volume. With capacity to manage a continuous flow of people during peak hours, they will help to reduce congestion and maintain smooth operations throughout the stations. At the same time, the elevators ensure that the station remains fully accessible for people with mobility challenges, parents with prams, travellers with luggage and anyone requiring step-free access.

An expanding role

"We’re incredibly proud to be part of this transformative infrastructure project and to continue our service partnership with Auckland Transport," says Ron.

The CRL stands as a landmark investment in the city’s future. From the city streets above to the platforms below, our escalators and lifts will help keep Auckland moving for generations to come.