Auckland's City Rail Link is expecting 19 thousand peak passengers after opening day, a sharp drop compared to earlier forecasts.  

In 2022, it was reported 27 thousand passengers an hour would be using the rail link at peak times when it opens next year. 

Auckland Transport says it's increasing the train fleet by about 30% to make 19 thousand passengers possible. 

Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck told Ryan Bridge the drop in numbers is a major problem. 

She says people need to be able to travel through Auckland easily, without cars or taxis.  

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