From Saturday 26 January 2008, the existing Newmarket Station will close for redevelopment.

From Tuesday 29 January 2008, trains will use temporary stations located at:

• Newmarket West, Kingdon St, Newmarket for all Western Line services
• Newmarket South, Remuera Road, Newmarket for all Southern Line services
   

This will be a big change for RNZFB members who use the current station regularly and who will need to change their route to and from the Newmarket stations.

The Foundation has been working closely with Ontrack to ensure that our members have all the support they might need during the changes.  This is detailed below.

Support for RNZFB members

1)     Individual orientation to the new stations with RNZFB staff

If you would like a staff member to assist you in learning new routes to the stations, please contact the following people to arrange a date and time:

• Guide Dog Handlers should contact Nadia Clark, phone: 09 269 0400 or 027 363 6525.
• Cane users should contact Penny Hieatt, phone: 09 355 6915 or Liz Quarrie,  phone: 09 264 0109 ext 8903 or 0274 782984

Ontrack is allowing O&M and Guide Dog Instructors access to the new stations prior to the official opening.  The instructors will familiarise themselves with the station layout and advise you about what to expect.

2)     Maxx Ambassadors

Once the new stations have been opened, Maxx Ambassadors will be on hand at each station.    The Ambassadors are Maxx staff members who are there to provide assistance to all passengers during the changes.  They have been trained in sighted guide techniques by the RNZFB and will help members negotiate the new station layout, if necessary.  The Ambassadors will provide support for the first month after the change over.

3)     Guidance on easiest routes to the new stations

Once Ontrack have deemed the new station sites safe, O&M and Guide Dog Instructors will familiarise themselves with the new stations.   The instructors will then be able to advise on the different access points and the easiest approaches to the stations.   This information will be posted on the website and on TIS as soon as it is available.

For further information about the upgrade and what it will entail, you can log onto www.arta.co.nz or www.projectdart.org.nz or speak to Chris Orr, Manager, Community Education and Awareness phone: 09 355 6883.