Clipboards Over Briefcases: Auckland’s CRL Enters Critical Timetable Testing Phase

Auckland’s $5.5 billion City Rail Link (CRL) is undergoing intensive timetable simulation. Discover the new station names and how West Aucklanders will benefit.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 14, 2026, 3:17 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Simulating the Peak

Martin Kearney, CEO of Auckland One Rail, confirmed that the testing is now focusing on the "tweaking" of dwell times—the precise number of seconds a train sits at a platform—to ensure the projected high-frequency service can actually hold up under real-world pressure.

"You're only as good as your last day," Kearney noted, acknowledging the high stakes of the project. While early testing had some "slow start-ups," the system is now performing to expectations, providing a sense of relief for a project that has faced years of scrutiny regarding its budget and timeline.

New Stations, New Identity

The CRL introduces a completely new underground landscape to Auckland. The project features four key stations, many of which have been gifted Te Reo Māori names to reflect their cultural significance:

Te Waihorotiu: Located in the heart of the CBD (Mid-Town).