Driver shortage leads to bus cuts

Twenty morning bus services in Wellington will be cancelled for up to six months as Metlink scales back timetables in response to a driver shortage.

The region’s public transport operator signalled earlier this week it would need to suspend some buses as it dealt with a crippling driver shortage at NZ Bus.

It confirmed yesterday that nine routes would have fewer services between 7am and 9am, affecting about 200 passengers, while six services on two other routes would be replaced by shuttle vans, and four school services would be run by other companies. The changes come into effect on Monday.

Greater Wellington Regional Council chief executive Greg Campbell said the cutbacks would at least provide commuters with some certainty about whether their buses would arrive.

‘‘The past few weeks have been an uncertain time, with customers – particularly in the eastern suburbs – not being sure if their trip will happen or not.

‘‘This was not acceptable so we have worked with NZ Bus to identify routes across the city that could be temporarily suspended or replaced with the least amount of impact on customers.’’

NZ Bus chief executive Zane Fulljames told councillors on Wednesday the company was about 20 drivers short, and it was now looking to recruit overseas drivers. ‘‘We are going to be cancelling services on a daily basis, and it’s down to a shortage of drivers.’’

New timetables and suggested alternate routes would be on the Metlink website and phone app.

The council was working with NZ Bus to increase its driver numbers but expected the cancellations to be in place for about six months.

The new timetables can be found on the Metlink website.