The year 2015 will be remembered as the rail year for Auckland. A lot has happened, and a lot more is going to happen that will make rail, and light rail, an integral part of the city's infrastructure. On 20 July the Auckland commuter network finally went all electric, a dream that many city fathers have had for nearly a century. Apart from small sections that are still serviced by diesel electric units in the south and west, Auckland now has a fleet of modern electric multiple units running on an upgraded track, with an upgraded signalling system, and upgraded stations. How has the public reacted to these upgrades? Patronage has increased by 21.7% in the year ending June 2015 compared with the previous year. This is all good news, especially for those local politicians and planners who have fought long and hard for a modern commuter rail service.
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