In 2010, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA, now Auckland Transport) commissioned a survey to examine if an 800-metre radius from Papatoetoe train station was representative of the walking distance for rail passengers. The findings from the Papatoetoe survey showed that the median walking distance to the train station was 1200 metres rather than the assumed 800 metres.

Based on the survey findings, Auckland Council’s Research, Investigations and Monitoring Unit has sought to test for more evidence if an 800-metre radius walkable catchment area was representative of the walking distance for other train stations in Auckland.

Using a similar research methodology as the Papatoetoe train station survey, passengers arriving at New Lynn, Glen Innes and Mt Albert train stations were surveyed in March 2012.

The results of the three train station surveys showed that:

• more than 50 per cent of respondents walked further than 800 metres to get to a train station;
• more than 15 per cent of respondents walked further than 1500 metres to get to a train station; and
• walking is the most significant mode of travel for trips less than 2000 metres.

Auckland Council technical report, TR2013/014

December 2013