Darren Davis
@darrendavis.bsky.social
A card carrying member of the kiwi diaspora currently planning public transport in SE Queensland. Love transit, cities, travelling, cats and movies.
Reposted by Darren Davis
#TrainNews: Supporters of passenger rail are set to gather at Frankton Station on Sunday for a “Stack the Station” rally, as a key funding decision looms over the future of Hamilton’s Te Huia rail link to Auckland.
Via Waikato Times: www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/3609...
Via Waikato Times: www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/3609...
Rally for rail seeks to retain Te Huia service
Advocates of an extension of funding for the Te Huia rail service will make their voice heard at a rally in Frankton on Sunday.
www.waikatotimes.co.nz
January 30, 2026 at 9:15 PM
#TrainNews: Supporters of passenger rail are set to gather at Frankton Station on Sunday for a “Stack the Station” rally, as a key funding decision looms over the future of Hamilton’s Te Huia rail link to Auckland.
Via Waikato Times: www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/3609...
Via Waikato Times: www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/3609...
Kirikiriroa/ Hamilton folks. It would be great to have a strong show of support for Te Huia this Sunday 2pm at Hamilton Frankton Station. A key decision is coming up in a couple of weeks on extending the trial by another year and your support could help get this across the line.
January 30, 2026 at 1:14 AM
Kirikiriroa/ Hamilton folks. It would be great to have a strong show of support for Te Huia this Sunday 2pm at Hamilton Frankton Station. A key decision is coming up in a couple of weeks on extending the trial by another year and your support could help get this across the line.
Reposted by Darren Davis
#TrainNews: Darren Davis was lucky enough to be on the inaugural Mainlander train from Christchurch to Invercargill. So what was it like?
Via Adventures in Transitland via @darrendavis.bsky.social: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-mainla...
Via Adventures in Transitland via @darrendavis.bsky.social: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-mainla...
The Mainlander kicks off
I was lucky enough to be on the inaugural Mainlander train from Christchurch to Invercargill. So what was it like? Read on for more...
adventuresintransitland.substack.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:33 AM
#TrainNews: Darren Davis was lucky enough to be on the inaugural Mainlander train from Christchurch to Invercargill. So what was it like?
Via Adventures in Transitland via @darrendavis.bsky.social: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-mainla...
Via Adventures in Transitland via @darrendavis.bsky.social: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-mainla...
I was lucky enough to be on the inaugural Mainlander train journey from Christchurch to Invercargill. So what was it like? Read on to find out …
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
The Mainlander kicks off
I was lucky enough to be on the inaugural Mainlander train from Christchurch to Invercargill. So what was it like? Read on for more...
open.substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 6:12 PM
I was lucky enough to be on the inaugural Mainlander train journey from Christchurch to Invercargill. So what was it like? Read on to find out …
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
Reposted by Darren Davis
#TransportNews: From the opening of Nelson’s new bus hub to a new fast ferry trial and everything in between, here's what you might have missed over the break.
Read now: open.substack.com/pub/nztransi...
Read now: open.substack.com/pub/nztransi...
January 20, 2026 at 7:06 PM
#TransportNews: From the opening of Nelson’s new bus hub to a new fast ferry trial and everything in between, here's what you might have missed over the break.
Read now: open.substack.com/pub/nztransi...
Read now: open.substack.com/pub/nztransi...
This is the first time in 24 years that
a scheduled passenger train has stopped at Invercargill Station. The station itself is in rough shape but nothing a bit of tender loving care can’t fix.
a scheduled passenger train has stopped at Invercargill Station. The station itself is in rough shape but nothing a bit of tender loving care can’t fix.
January 21, 2026 at 1:43 AM
This is the first time in 24 years that
a scheduled passenger train has stopped at Invercargill Station. The station itself is in rough shape but nothing a bit of tender loving care can’t fix.
a scheduled passenger train has stopped at Invercargill Station. The station itself is in rough shape but nothing a bit of tender loving care can’t fix.
Just about to board the sold-out first scheduled passenger train between Ōtepoti/ Southerner and Waihopai/ Invercargill since the demise of the Southerner in 2002. Hoping this becomes a regular thing and not just occasional one-offs.
January 20, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Just about to board the sold-out first scheduled passenger train between Ōtepoti/ Southerner and Waihopai/ Invercargill since the demise of the Southerner in 2002. Hoping this becomes a regular thing and not just occasional one-offs.
Reposted by Darren Davis
#TransportNews: Tāmaki Makaurau's City Rail Link is the biggie for a 2026 opening but lots of other public transport stuff is underway on the North Island.
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures In Transitland: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/whats-comi...
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures In Transitland: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/whats-comi...
What's coming up in the North Island in 2026
Tāmaki Makaurau's City Rail Link is the biggie for a 2026 opening but lots of other public transport stuff is underway on the North Island. Read on for more on this...
adventuresintransitland.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:59 PM
#TransportNews: Tāmaki Makaurau's City Rail Link is the biggie for a 2026 opening but lots of other public transport stuff is underway on the North Island.
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures In Transitland: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/whats-comi...
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures In Transitland: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/whats-comi...
A sadly all too rare experience of a passenger train at Timaru. I’m on the inaugural Mainlander train journey from Ōtautahi/ Christchurch to Ōtepoti/ Dunedin.
January 19, 2026 at 10:34 PM
A sadly all too rare experience of a passenger train at Timaru. I’m on the inaugural Mainlander train journey from Ōtautahi/ Christchurch to Ōtepoti/ Dunedin.
My latest blog post looks at upcoming public transport developments in Aotearoa/ New Zealand’s North Island in 2026. Spoiler alert: It’s not just City Rail Link in Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland.
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
What's coming up in the North Island in 2026
Tāmaki Makaurau's City Rail Link is the biggie for a 2026 opening but lots of other public transport stuff is underway on the North Island. Read on for more on this...
open.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:26 PM
My latest blog post looks at upcoming public transport developments in Aotearoa/ New Zealand’s North Island in 2026. Spoiler alert: It’s not just City Rail Link in Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland.
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
Reposted by Darren Davis
#TransportNews: While the opening of City Rail Link in Auckland is likely the biggest public transport story of the year, there's lots more coming up across the motu.
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures In Transitland: open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures In Transitland: open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
What's coming up in the South Island in 2026
While the opening of City Rail Link in Auckland is likely the biggest public transport story of the year, there's lots more coming up across the motu. Read on for part 1 on the South Island.
open.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM
#TransportNews: While the opening of City Rail Link in Auckland is likely the biggest public transport story of the year, there's lots more coming up across the motu.
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures In Transitland: open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures In Transitland: open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
My latest blog post looks at what’s in store for public transport in Te Waipounamu/ South Island in 2026. Read on for more:
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
What's coming up in the South Island in 2026
While the opening of City Rail Link in Auckland is likely the biggest public transport story of the year, there's lots more coming up across the motu. Read on for part 1 on the South Island.
open.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:39 PM
My latest blog post looks at what’s in store for public transport in Te Waipounamu/ South Island in 2026. Read on for more:
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
Reposted by Darren Davis
Lots of improvements happening in south East Queensland’s public transport network, ahead of the really big one which is completion of cross river rail.
Good work by @darrendavis.bsky.social to document this here:
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
Good work by @darrendavis.bsky.social to document this here:
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
Public Transport Development in SE Queensland
While SE Queensland has a huge pipeline of rail projects in the works for the 2032 Olympics, there has also been a range of improvements, big and small, in 2025. Read on for more on these.
open.substack.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Lots of improvements happening in south East Queensland’s public transport network, ahead of the really big one which is completion of cross river rail.
Good work by @darrendavis.bsky.social to document this here:
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
Good work by @darrendavis.bsky.social to document this here:
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
My latest blog post on the year that was 2025 for public transport developments in South East Queensland where I currently reside.
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
Public Transport Development in SE Queensland
While SE Queensland has a huge pipeline of rail projects in the works for the 2032 Olympics, there has also been a range of improvements, big and small, in 2025. Read on for more on these.
open.substack.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:38 PM
My latest blog post on the year that was 2025 for public transport developments in South East Queensland where I currently reside.
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
My latest blog post looks at the weakest link of many public transport networks - wider regional connectivity with Metro Vancouver as a case study. Read on for more on this:
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
Vancouver's public transport achilles heel
Many things about Vancouver's public transport are pretty awesome. But wider regional connectivity to the Fraser Valley and the Sea to Sky corridor is not one of these. Read on for more on this.
open.substack.com
December 21, 2025 at 7:15 PM
My latest blog post looks at the weakest link of many public transport networks - wider regional connectivity with Metro Vancouver as a case study. Read on for more on this:
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
In latest developments for Te Huia, Waikato Regional Council is asking NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) for a 1-year extension of the trial at the current funding rate of 60%. The NZTA board will decide on this at its February meeting. www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Fate of Hamilton-to-Auckland Te Huia train to be decided next year
The Hamilton to Auckland train was launched in 2021 for a five-year trial ending in June next year.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 20, 2025 at 2:37 AM
In latest developments for Te Huia, Waikato Regional Council is asking NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) for a 1-year extension of the trial at the current funding rate of 60%. The NZTA board will decide on this at its February meeting. www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Reposted by Darren Davis
Today’s guest post is an early Christmas cracker!
Enjoy this majestical roundup by the mighty @darrendavis.bsky.social of the good news about public transport across the motu in 2025🎄🥝🚊🚍
www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/12/16/t...
Enjoy this majestical roundup by the mighty @darrendavis.bsky.social of the good news about public transport across the motu in 2025🎄🥝🚊🚍
www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/12/16/t...
The year in public transport in Aotearoa - Greater Auckland
This is a guest post by Darren Davis. It originally appeared on his excellent blog, Great Journeys of NZ website. I was fortunate enough to be on the first trip and highly recommend it. The scenery be...
www.greaterauckland.org.nz
December 16, 2025 at 12:35 AM
Today’s guest post is an early Christmas cracker!
Enjoy this majestical roundup by the mighty @darrendavis.bsky.social of the good news about public transport across the motu in 2025🎄🥝🚊🚍
www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/12/16/t...
Enjoy this majestical roundup by the mighty @darrendavis.bsky.social of the good news about public transport across the motu in 2025🎄🥝🚊🚍
www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/12/16/t...
Reposted by Darren Davis
#TransportNews: It seems to be the season to look back on the year that was so here goes with a retrospective of key public transport developments in Aotearoa this year.
Via Adventures in Transitland by @darrendavis.bsky.social: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-year-i...
Via Adventures in Transitland by @darrendavis.bsky.social: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-year-i...
The year in public transport in Aotearoa
It seems to be the season to look back on the year that was so here goes with a retrospective of key public transport developments in Aotearoa this year.
adventuresintransitland.substack.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:01 AM
#TransportNews: It seems to be the season to look back on the year that was so here goes with a retrospective of key public transport developments in Aotearoa this year.
Via Adventures in Transitland by @darrendavis.bsky.social: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-year-i...
Via Adventures in Transitland by @darrendavis.bsky.social: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-year-i...
My latest blog post looks back at the year that was in public transport in Aotearoa. There were quite a number of good news stories so read on for more on this.
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
The year in public transport in Aotearoa
It seems to be the season to look back on the year that was so here goes with a retrospective of key public transport developments in Aotearoa this year.
open.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 10:11 PM
My latest blog post looks back at the year that was in public transport in Aotearoa. There were quite a number of good news stories so read on for more on this.
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
My latest blog post looks on the bright side of public transport innovations in South Australia’s capital.
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
Adelaide Public Transport Innovations
Adelaide and public transport innovations rarely appear together in a sentence. But there are some noteworthy achievements from South Australia's capital city. Read on for more on this:
open.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:27 PM
My latest blog post looks on the bright side of public transport innovations in South Australia’s capital.
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
open.substack.com/pub/adventur...
Reposted by Darren Davis
#RailNews: Rail level crossings between Wellington and Palmerston North will need to be upgraded before new battery-electric trains can run on the Capital Connection.
Via The Post: www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Via The Post: www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Level crossing upgrades not included in new regional train plan
Upgrades on some crossings are needed for the regulator to approve more frequent Capital Connection services, but they’re not funded by a $1 billion package.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 13, 2025 at 8:39 PM
#RailNews: Rail level crossings between Wellington and Palmerston North will need to be upgraded before new battery-electric trains can run on the Capital Connection.
Via The Post: www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Via The Post: www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Reposted by Darren Davis
An excellent piece by @Darrendavis.bsky.social on the transformation of Auckland’s bus network.
adventuresintransitland.substack.com?utm_source=n...
adventuresintransitland.substack.com?utm_source=n...
Adventures in Transitland | Darren Davis | Substack
Musings about public transport and other cool stuff in Aotearoa/ New Zealand and around the globe. Click to read Adventures in Transitland, by Darren Davis, a Substack publication with hundreds of sub...
adventuresintransitland.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:48 AM
An excellent piece by @Darrendavis.bsky.social on the transformation of Auckland’s bus network.
adventuresintransitland.substack.com?utm_source=n...
adventuresintransitland.substack.com?utm_source=n...
Reposted by Darren Davis
#BusNews: One of Aotearoa's achievements hidden in plain sight is the huge expansion of Tāmaki Makaurau's frequent bus network, making it one of the best, if not the best, in Australasia.
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures in Transitland: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-freque...
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures in Transitland: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-freque...
The frequentisation of Tāmaki Makaurau
One of Aotearoa's achievements hidden in plain sight is the huge expansion of Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland's frequent bus network, making it one of the best, if not the best, in Australasia.
adventuresintransitland.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:10 PM
#BusNews: One of Aotearoa's achievements hidden in plain sight is the huge expansion of Tāmaki Makaurau's frequent bus network, making it one of the best, if not the best, in Australasia.
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures in Transitland: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-freque...
By @darrendavis.bsky.social via Adventures in Transitland: adventuresintransitland.substack.com/p/the-freque...
Great to see Gold Coast light rail stage 3 really starting to take shape with 60+% of the track and overhead catenary in place and many of the stations well under construction. Should be fully open from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads by mid next year.
November 2, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Great to see Gold Coast light rail stage 3 really starting to take shape with 60+% of the track and overhead catenary in place and many of the stations well under construction. Should be fully open from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads by mid next year.
At the just opened Pimpama Station on SE Queensland’s fast growing Northern Gold Coast. This is the first of three new Gold Coast Line stations to open, to be followed by Hope Island and Merrimac in 2026.
November 1, 2025 at 10:56 PM
At the just opened Pimpama Station on SE Queensland’s fast growing Northern Gold Coast. This is the first of three new Gold Coast Line stations to open, to be followed by Hope Island and Merrimac in 2026.