Confusion surrounds strike
If you’re planning on catching a bus in Wellington today, your chances could be slim.
More than 100 services across the region may be affected by a bus drivers strike, but passengers won’t know if their driver is striking or not until they check the Metlink website or app before they travel.
Some Wellington City councillors have speculated traffic will be heavier than normal as many bus commuters look to other means of travel.
Rain and southerlies are predicted for today, so commuters might want to pack an umbrella too.
Greater Wellington regional councillor Daran Ponter said some schools were organising car pooling.
‘‘My plea is that people just realise that people who are on any bus route in the city, they may be affected,’’ he said.
‘‘We don’t actually know how
many services will be affected because we don’t know how many drivers are likely to enter the strike action.’’
The strike could continue tomorrow, or even over the weekend, he said.
However, he was not expecting traffic to be much busier. ‘‘I think people will take the opportunity to car share. Those closer to the city will use their legs.’’
But Wellington City councillor Sarah Free, who holds the public transport, cycling and walking portfolio, said it was likely that more people would drive, adding to congestion in the city.
Not all buses would be affected, but those that were operating were likely to be extra crowded, she said.
‘‘I expect it will be busy . . . it will be noticeable but it’s not going to stop the city completely.’’
Free said she had heard more concerns about the drivers’ welfare and bus safety issues than concerns about traffic.
Fellow councillor Chris Calvi Freeman, who holds the transport strategy and operations portfolio, also said roads would probably be a bit crazier.
‘‘But I don’t think the world will end.’’
People would be able to walk or find alternative transport, he said. ‘‘I would imagine the Onzo bikes will get a real thrashing.’’
Trains would not be affected so people would have that option too.
Bus operator Tranzurban, whose drivers are due to strike, said it had organised mediation with the bus drivers’ union to settle the dispute over terms and conditions. By last night, no meetings had been scheduled.
It is unclear how many drivers will strike, but the union says it could be up to 140. Tranzurban says it will probably be far fewer.