13 September 2026
After more than 10 years of construction and disruption in the inner city the CRL opened today in what retailers are hoping will be a boost for CBD visitors. Despite a small fire at the Waitemata station, forcing its closure for a short period, there has been a good turn out by Aucklanders wanting to explore the new train service.
“While this morning has been busier than anticipated we will be hoping for sustained numbers to bring more people into the city that has been hit hard with business closures amid the more than 10 year construction process alongside a period of difficult economic trading conditions. The $5.5bn project is anticipating that we will see an increase of up to 50% capacity of people coming into the city by public transport, that are within 30 minutes of the CBD. This increase will be welcomed by those inner-city businesses that have had to put up with 11 years of construction, road cones, closed streets and the rise of people working from home” says Carolyn Young, Chief Executive of Retail NZ.
Official numbers anticipate 19,000 users during peak times and reaching and maintaining these numbers will be critical. Retail NZ will be watching closely to see the extent and sustained impacts of the CRL. Retailers, alongside other inner-city businesses, will be hoping that we will start to see a return of workers back into the CBD with the new CRL commuter services. Additional events in the CBD will also be crucial to bring people into the city and have a positive experience of public transport.
Retail NZ supports investment in major infrastructure believing it is critical to support the New Zealand economy, create new jobs and make it easier to move around our cities. “What we are hoping to see with future infrastructure projects is greater co-ordination with business to ensure that disruptions can be limited and provide support for businesses throughout the construction phase.”
To set up an interview with Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young, please contact her directly on 021 449 452
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