A major test of Auckland’s City Rail Link successfully ran 18 trains per hour in each direction, proving safety and reliability ahead of its 2026 opening.

A major trial of Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) successfully tested high-frequency train operations, with 35 drivers completing 290 hours of driving across the new tunnels and inner-city loop from October 18–19, 2025. The simulation ran 18 trains per hour in each direction—closer than the eventual peak frequency—to assess safety, timing, and system reliability. Nearly 400 train runs covered 2,500 kilometers, involving multiple agencies and temporary service changes. Officials confirmed the network handled closely spaced trains safely, with precise stops and proper signal coordination. A follow-up test is planned for late November 2025, as real-world trials are critical to refining operations before the CRL’s 2026 opening. The project will connect East, South, and West Auckland directly to the city center, with 90% of services using the new route.