Ngaio railway station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ngaio
Metlink commuter rail
Ngaio railway station, looking North (2008).
Location	Collingwood Street, Ngaio, Wellington, New Zealand
Coordinates	41°15′3.53″S 174°46′18.58″E / 41.2509806°S 174.7718278°E / -41.2509806; 174.7718278
Owned by	Greater Wellington Regional Council
Line(s)	Johnsonville Line
Platforms	Dual side
Tracks	Main line (1) Crossing loop (1)
Connections	Bus services
Construction
Parking	25 spaces
Other information
Fare zone	3
History
Opened	21 September 1885
Closed	1 September 1964 (freight)
Rebuilt	1967, c2010
Electrified	2 July 1938
Previous names	Crofton
Services
Preceding station   Transdev Wellington   Following station Awarua Street toward Johnsonville Johnsonville Line Crofton Downs toward Wellington

Ngaio railway station, looking south in the direction of Crofton Downs station.

Ngaio railway station is a train stop in Ngaio, Wellington, New Zealand. It is one of eight stations on the Johnsonville Branch, a special train route for people traveling to and from work. This line goes north from Wellington.

A company called the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company (WMR) built and ran this station. It was part of their train line from Wellington to Longburn. The area around the station was first called Crofton. But in 1908, it changed to Ngaio. This was to stop people confusing it with another place called Crofton near Marton.

From 1908, the station was part of the main railway line for the North Island. This changed in 1937 when a new section of track opened. On 2 July 1938, the shorter line to Johnsonville became known as the Johnsonville Branch.

Today, modern Matangi electric trains use this station. They are run by Tranz Metro under the Metlink brand. These trains travel both north to Johnsonville and south to Wellington.

How Ngaio Station Started

Ngaio was one of the first three stations built by the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company. This was on the line we now call the Johnsonville Branch. The station first opened on 21 September 1885. This was when the first part of the company's line between Wellington and Paramata began. Regular train services started a few days later, on the 24th.

Station Changes Over Time

When it first opened, Ngaio station only had one platform. A second platform and a shelter were added later on. The train tracks used to be controlled by hand from a signal box. This signal box was at the southern end of the station. This manual control continued into the 1960s. It was one of the last parts of the line to become fully automatic.

In 2009, the train loop at the station was made longer towards Wellington. The platform for trains going south was also replaced and extended. After that, the platform for trains going north was replaced and extended too. These changes helped the new Matangi electric trains use the line. Other improvements included new lights, seats, and signs on the platforms.

How Trains Use the Station

Trains often cross paths at Ngaio station. This is because the platform for trains going up (towards Johnsonville) is on a special crossing loop. There are also "runaway sidings" at both ends of the station. These are extra tracks where a train could go if its brakes failed.

Train Signals

You can see colour light signals at both ends of the platforms. These signals tell train drivers when it is safe to go. They help keep everyone on the trains safe.

Part of the Ngaio railway station car park.

Train and Bus Services

Trains run in both directions through Ngaio station. They usually leave every half hour. During busy times on weekdays, there are even more trains. They run on a 13/13/26 minute schedule.

Nearby Bus Routes

The #26 bus route also passes close to this station. You can find it along Ottawa Road and Crofton Road. This is at the end of Waikowhai Street.

Station Facilities

Ngaio station has two platforms, one on each side of the tracks. Each platform has a shelter for passengers. You can get between the platforms by walking across the tracks. This is done at a special pedestrian crossing at one end of the platforms. The old crossings at both ends were removed when the platforms were made longer.

Access and Parking

There is a walkway from the platform for "Down" trains (going to Wellington) to Waikowhai Street. There is also a car park for people driving to the station. This car park is off Collingwood Street, behind the platform for "Up" trains (going to Johnsonville).