It was nonetheless one of the quicker forms of transport for its era, although the rise of the private car began to impact upon traffic.
[3] In 1950 the train was speeded up by about an hour, when it ceased serving flag stations east of Paeroa.
By the 1950s, the lack of frequent, daily operation began to prove a significant discouragement to prospective travellers.
The final service operated from Taneatua to Auckland on 7 February 1959 and consisted of three passenger carriages and a guard's van hauled by J 1217.
Both expresses were replaced by railcar services operated by RM class 88 seater railcars, but the Taneatua Express's replacement terminated in Te Puke, permanently ending regular passenger service to destinations beyond that town.