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, marking the New Zealand versus Tonga match on Friday. Trains and buses were stretched and some ferries had to be cancelled because large crowds swamped Queens Wharf meaning vessels were unable to berth.
“Auckland's public transport system failed to deliver to the required standard,” McCully said, according to the New Zealand Herald. “In spite of reasonably successful trial events, there is no escaping the fact that Friday night's performance was short of the standard required. Urgent steps will now need to be taken to ensure that these matters are rectified before the next large Eden Park match next weekend.”
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.
Brown said creating the database would be the first step in ensuring “some form of redress”. Brown added that the performance by trains was “not satisfactory at all”, but he also praised the “fabulous atmosphere” at the stadium. Meanwhile RWC 2011 Auckland co-ordination group chair Rachel Dacey has confirmed there will be no further event like the one staged on the opening night. “There are no plans at this stage to be putting on anything of this size on the closing night,” she said.
