“Extra trains will be on standby to help people get home once the match finishes.”
Fans are expected to pack Eden Park for the fourth T20I between India and the Black Caps, as happened in Christchurch. Photo / Anna Heath
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 Transport services are on standby to help support spectators at Eden Park. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
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.