The Hamilton-Auckland passenger service will start from August 3.

The long-awaited passenger train from Hamilton to Auckland will launch its first journey on August 3.

A start date has been set for the Hamilton-Papakura service, named Te Huia, which will operate two return services on weekdays.

Trains will set off at Frankton, stopping at the new Rotokauri Transport Hub and Huntly station, before reaching Papakura.

CHRISTEL YARDLEY/STUFF Two trains will have four carriages each and be equipped with Wifi, USB points, toilets and a cafe bar. (File photo.)

There will be one return Saturday service.

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Transport Minister Phil Twyford said the new commuter train will serve as a crucial connection between two major centres.

"It will allow up to 300 people to get to and from Auckland each day, helping to reduce congestion on our highways and transport emissions."

GOOGLE An artist's impression of how the under-construction Rotokauri Transport Hub in north Hamilton will look.

It's part of a plan to fuel development along the Hamilton-Auckland growth corridor, he said.

"The South Auckland/north Waikato area is growing and it's important that we are thinking about the big picture and develop the right infrastructure to unlock that growth."

The Ministry of Transport is also investigating options for rapid rail, Twyford said.

HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL Work on the Rotokauri Transport Hub in Hamilton is well under way.

The running time from The Base to Papakura will be 80 minutes, but is estimated to be two hours 20 minutes if passengers want to transfer to Auckland CBD from Papakura.

Two trains made up of four carriages will be used, each with capacity for 150 passengers.

Carriages will be equipped with wifi, air conditioning, heating, USB points, a cafe bar and toilets.

The service to Papakura is set to cost $12.20 one way for passengers from Hamilton.

Chair of the rail working group Hugh Vercoe said the train will have a "wonderful benefit" for the region.

"It will start on the date.

KELLY HODEL/STUFF NZTA is funding $79.80 million for the Hamilton-Auckland service and local authorities contributing $12.57.

"Not everything will be 100 per cent complete, but we have drawn a line in the sand."

Most construction at the Rotokauri hub - including the rail platform, park and ride facilities, and bus interchange will be complete by August, but elevators at the site have been delayed.

"It's not what we had hoped, but in Hamilton the station at Frankton is accessible and we're working closely with the regional council's public transport team on options to make sure people with mobility issues can use the new service."

But upgrades to both Frankton and Huntly stations are tracking for the deadline, Vercoe said.

WAIKATO REGIONAL COUNCIL/SUPPLIED Work to upgrade the Huntly train station is starting now, as the date for the Hamilton-Auckland passenger service draws near.

Waikato District Council has started a $4 million upgrade at Huntly train station this week, which will see the platform modernised

"It's going to be a longer, flash platform to the same standard as Rotokauri in Hamilton," council project delivery team leader Reuben Rink said.

The current, lone shelter will be replaced with four new shelters and the platform extended 40 metres to cater for the number of carriages on the passenger service, Rink said.

KiwiRail contractors started work on the rail line on Tuesday, Rink said.

A park and ride catering for 40 vehicles will be built at the site adjacent on Glasgow St, with security cameras, new lighting and signs installed.

Though the Huntly line is one of the busiest freight lines in the North Island, the station itself was "underutilised", Rink said.

"Absolutely this new station will bring vibrancy to the area."