Black Caps v India: Extra trains and buses on standby for Eden Park T20I fixture
Extra public transport services are on standby to carry fans home from tonight’s international cricket clash at Eden Park as officials try to avert travel chaos when the match ends.
New Zealand have already lost their T20I series against India after suffering a heavy defeat midweek at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium, but their Eden Park fixture has sold out.
Auckland Transport (AT) has advised the more than 40,000 spectators that extra trains and buses will be on standby once the event, which starts at 8pm, ends.
“Road closures will be in place around Eden Park on Friday, and we are advising people attending the cricket to use Morningside station for westbound trains after the match,” an AT spokesman said.
“Kingsland station will serve passengers travelling towards the city, south and east.
“Extra trains will be on standby to help people get home once the match finishes.”
For those heading back across the harbour bridge, additional NX1 buses to the Northern Busway and Albany would also be on standby after the match, departing from Lower Albert St.
It comes after fans leaving the recent All Blacks and Warriors matches were hit by lengthy public transport delays and bus no-shows, with some waiting about 45 minutes to catch a train at Kingsland station near the stadium.
Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner called on Auckland Council and AT to urgently address the transport and infrastructure upgrades needed near the stadium.
The first two matches of the T20I series produced late finishes, including play continuing past midnight in the opener at Hagley Oval, with the third having a swift finish as India cruised to a six-wicket victory in 13.2 overs.
Auckland is playing host to several major events this weekend, including the Breakers taking on the Adelaide 36ers at Spark Arena, which begins about three hours before the Black Caps match, a two-day Diwali Festival in the city centre, AUSX Supercross at North Harbour Stadium, the Auckland Marathon and Halloween events.
Chairman of Auckland Council’s transport, infrastructure and delivery committee, Andy Baker, said roads and public transport options would likely be busier than usual.
“With so many events on it’s going to be an exciting weekend for our city, but it’s important that people plan ahead and bake some extra time into their plans,” Baker said.
“Before you head out this weekend, make sure you have a plan for your journey before you leave home, allow extra time and expect things to be busy around major venues and the city centre.”
He warned some buses may be detoured because of the marathon on Sunday and urged those travelling to “be patient, follow the directions of event and transport staff, and take extra care however you travel”.
Samuel Sherry is a live news sport journalist for the New Zealand Herald, based in Auckland.