Bus driver fix a long way off

Bus cancellations and reductions in service will continue into the new year despite measures that aim to solve the bus driver shortage.

The shortage is Australasia-wide and will not end within the next year, said Greater Wellington chairperson Daran Ponter.

‘‘In terms of weeks and even in terms of months, there is no quick fix. It’s a terrible situation to be in, collectively.’’

Last week 8% of bus trips were cancelled around the Wellington region, or 1871 trips in total. Metlink is discussing further reductions to its bus timetable from January 2023, on top of the 67 trips it has already suspended.

The Government recently announced a $61 million plan to lift bus drivers wages in cities to $30 per hour, but it will take months for the funding to reach drivers’ pockets.

Metlink general manager Samantha Gain said the pay rise would hopefully take effect from the middle of next year.

‘‘While Metlink is buoyed by the Government’s recent pledge . . . there are several things that need to happen to implement any wage increase,’’ she said.

The funding would have to go through council approval, operator commitments, union engagement, and final approval from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency before reaching bus drivers’ pockets.

‘‘My desire is to see that money in drivers’ pockets as soon as possible,’’ Ponter said. It could start to turn around the driver shortage but further measures were needed too.

The office of Transport Minister Michael Wood said he would be ‘‘actively monitoring progress’’ on bus driver pay rises, but the timeline for implementation would differ between local authorities.

The pay rise was welcomed but not enough on its own, said secretary Kevin O’Sullivan from the Tramways Union.

The working conditions of drivers were ‘‘disgraceful’’, with some drivers working shifts from 11am to 11.30pm with three unpaid breaks, O’Sullivan said.

‘‘Money is only half the equation. A huge factor in the shortage is the working hours.’’

Wood’s office said the bus driver pay package was ‘‘aimed at improving both wages and conditions’’ – as well as the increased pay rate, it included a flat rate allowance for split shifts of $30 and a higher rate for work after 9pm.

The shortage extends into truck driving as well, and bus drivers are often poached for higher-paying truck jobs.

Ponter is pushing for bus drivers to be added to a list of skills shortages, so operators can more easily recruit experienced workers from overseas.

There was still a shortage of 120 drivers in the Wellington region, leaving the network which is meant to operate with 650 drivers operating with just 530.

The driver shortage has caused ongoing cancellations in Wellington since the start of the year, with an average of one in 10 buses cancelled. Even losing five bus drivers from the network could cause the cancellation of up to 60 bus trips in a day, Ponter said.

‘‘It’s a terrible situation to be in.’’ Daran Ponter Greater Wellington chairperson