Transport Chaos For Rwc Opener

Auckland’s transport infrastructure struggled to cope with a large estimated crowd of 200,000 that gathered for the Party Central public viewing event in Auckland, for New Zealand versus Tonga on Friday – according to media reports.

New Zealand Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully admitted that ‘immediate attention’ to Auckland’s transport plan for the tournament was needed, after hundreds of fans missed out on the opening game of the competition on Friday.

Trains and buses struggled and some ferries had to be cancelled because large crowds swamped Queens Wharf meaning vessels were unable to berth.

A decision on compensation for those who were unable to make it to Eden Park for the game due to the transport issues will rest on a report, undertaken by Auckland Transport chairman Mark Ford and chief executive David Warburton, that is due to be handed to Auckland Mayor Len Brown on Tuesday.

However, a hotline and website is to be set up for fans who missed out on the opening game, allowing them to register for possible compensation.