The Strand Station

It continued to be used by a limited number of peak-hour suburban trains for a few months following the opening of Britomart.

In 2011, two platforms were upgraded by Auckland Transport to prepare them for use as an alternative to Britomart for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

[4] The platforms did not end up being used during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, but they continued to serve as a potential backup station for Britomart during disruptions.

As the Northern Explorer had become the only diesel service still using Britomart, its operator KiwiRail was requested by Auckland Transport to fund an upgrade to the diesel extraction fans at the underground station, but KiwiRail decided it would be more cost-efficient to cease serving Britomart and move the Northern Explorer terminus to The Strand instead.

[citation needed] The Strand is occasionally used for excursion trains and is also available as a backup station for Britomart in case of disruptions.

[8] Proposals have also involved or inferred the return of suburban trains to The Strand, though this would entail moving the station further east or building new platforms on the tracks between Quay Park Junction and Britomart.

The Strand Station prior to electrification.
The Strand Station following electrification
Strand Station, Auckland, in 2019 showing the section of the concrete canopy, which escaped demolition in 2011
Photo taken from the sole used Strand Station platform prior to refurbishment. To the left are the then disused Auckland Railway Station platforms. The closest platform to the left is now Platform 2 of the Strand. Both Platform 1 & 2 have had the majority of the historic concrete canopies demolished as part of the 2011 refurbishment.