KiwiRail has apologised to Aucklanders after cancellations to the city's trains caused significant disruption to Friday morning's commuters.
KiwiRail chief operations officer Siva Sivapakkiam said shortly after 4am on Friday morning, it was advised of electricity arcing from overhead electric lines under the Broadway overbridge. It then took immediate action.
"We had to turn the power off to investigate - 25,000 volts run through the overhead lines," Sivapakkiam said.
"We had track crews mobilized by 4:15am and contacted the train operator Auckland One Rail at 4:25am.
"The short amount of time between the fault being discovered and commuter trains starting this morning seriously limited Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail's ability to put alternate public transport in place."
He said the issue was that contaminants had got on the insulator due to high humidity and recent weather.
"The insulator was cleaned and power restored by 8:15am," he said.
"I apologise to Auckland rail commuters for the disruption caused to services this morning.
"Though it caused disruption, the safety of passengers and the public has to be our top priority."
Sivapakkiam made it clear Friday morning's disruption was not related to the issues the capital faced earlier this week.
Call for Government to broaden KiwiRail inquiry
The Green Party is now calling for the Government to broaden the focus of its inquiry into KiwiRail following Friday morning's disruption to Auckland's transport.
Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said it is "crucial" Kiwis are given access to reliable, affordable and low-carbon alternatives to cars.
"Continued issues with the rail network across the motu will only push people back into their cars."
Genter was pleased when Transport Minister Michael Wood announced the Government's review into KiwiRail following Wellington's transport issues, but said that needs to be extended to Auckland.
"It's important then that the focus is broadened to specific disruptions in Auckland to ensure that those living there are also able to access reliable services."
