Bus network ‘needs help from Govt’

Wellington’s mayor has backed a call for central Government to step in and help fix the ongoing problems with the region’s bus network.

Wellington-based National List MP Nicola Willis is calling for a Government representative to help Greater Wellington Regional Council resolve the problems, which have seen more than 30 buses a day cancelled during the past four months.

The cancellations are because of a driver shortage at NZ Bus, which lost most of its Wellington contracts to Tranzurban at the same time the network was revamped in July last year.

Mayor Justin Lester backed the call for a Crown observer to step in, saying the problems had gone on for too long.

‘‘There is not sufficient public confidence that the issues are being resolved,’’ he said.

‘‘I think on that basis, I would support a Crown observer being appointed to sit alongside the regional council, to assist it in addressing the problems that exist and to improve the service to a level where Wellingtonians are confident in the service.’’

Willis said the new network had been plagued by problems since it was introduced almost eight months ago, and it was time for the Government to step in.

She met with regional council staff on Friday to discuss her concerns following an increase in complaints from her constituents.

‘‘I left my meeting on Friday with no confidence in the council’s ability to fix the mess it has created.’’

Willis said she was told the council was expecting cancellations beyond the 20 morning services it suspended in February.

Greater Wellington chairman Chris Laidlaw confirmed Willis met chief executive Greg Campbell last week for an ‘‘open and honest’’ conversation about the driver shortage.