Brown said Sautner’s comments were inappropriate, disappointing and missed the real issue.
An initial audit indicated a crossing closure was implemented later than required under the approved Traffic Management Plan by Eden Park’s traffic management contractor.
“The rail delays following the event were primarily caused by the late closure of the Morningside Drive level crossing by Eden Park’s contractors, which meant trains couldn’t be positioned ready to go after the game,” Brown said.
“The result was a disruption to services and longer queues and wait times for passengers.”
Brown said Sautner’s claims about the footbridge don’t stack up.
“Before anyone starts calling for uncosted and expensive new infrastructure, we need to establish the facts and make sure existing plans and procedures are being followed properly,” Brown added.
In this instance the post-match train travel shambles appeared to be an operational issue, not an infrastructure one.
“The question Aucklanders should be asking is whether the approved plan was implemented properly, not whether they need to pay for another expensive piece of infrastructure.”
Speaking to RNZ’s Morning Report on Tuesday, Auckland Transport rail boss Mark Lambert said they have plans to meet with Eden Park to ensure similar wait times don’t happen again.
“There was some extended wait times for east-west services leaving Kingsland into the city centre,” Lambert said.
“Some customers had to wait 30, 40 minutes for a service, which is not ideal.
“What happened there is we have to stack up these trains to the west of Kingsland so that they’re ready to go in quick succession, typically around a three minute frequency. And to position those trains, we have to close the Morningside level crossing.
“That’s part of the agreed traffic management plan, it’s agreed by Council, it’s part of the regulated traffic management plan. Unfortunately, that was not closed for 30 minutes beyond when it was meant to be closed, and that’s managed by Eden Park.
“We’re meeting with Eden Park this week to see how we can improve the overall execution of our plan, but also the supporting plans such as the Eden Park traffic management plan.”
AT said 19,710 people used special event public transport.
Eden Park is set to host a range of big events in the next 12 months including Bruno Mars playing three sold-out shows and a State of Origin rugby league clash on June 16.
Sautner is hopeful the issues are resolved.
“We recognise these improvements won’t be delivered in time for next year, but our ambitions extend well beyond 2027, which is why attention needs to be given to them now,” Sautner said.
“If we’re serious about being a world-class, ambitious city, we need to ensure our infrastructure reflects that ambition.”
Brown felt it was time to take a look at how transport operates around the stadium.
“With more major events, new CRL services and Auckland Council now in charge of Auckland’s roads, it’s time to take a fresh look at how transport around Eden Park operates,’ Brown said.” Brown said.
“Council should lead that work alongside Auckland Transport, Auckland One Rail, Eden Park and other key partners.
“The focus needs to be on practical, low-cost improvements that reduce unnecessary traffic management, lower operating costs and make it easier for people to get to and from events. Aucklanders expect major events to run smoothly and that’s what we need to focus on and deliver.”