Research on bus drivers’ work conditions withheld
research relies on the ongoing commitment of earlier participants.’’
Twyford declined Stuff’s request to see two reports from consultants Allen and Clarke, and ministry briefings obtained under the Official Information Act have had references to the reports’ general findings redacted.
‘‘Releasing this report prior to the completion of further research would compromise my ability to make policy decisions on this issue,’’ Twyford wrote to Stuff.
The reports have been written following interviews with bus companies, council and unions.
Unions say the PTOM system is at the heart of worsening driver shortages and long working hours for bus drivers, with companies locked into long-term fixed price contracts with regional councils.
‘‘There is no problem with the number of people who can drive buses – they are just really s... jobs,’’ said Louisa Jones, the assistant general secretary of First Union.
‘‘One company told us they have to roster drivers for 51⁄2-hour unbroken shifts, to be competitive with other bus companies,’’ she told Stuff.
Jones said the word last week from the minister’s office was that the reports would be out ‘‘very soon’’.
Twyford told Stuff he expected the further research to be complete mid-year.
Bus driver shortages continue to lead to the cancellation of services in Auckland, Wellington and Tauranga.
Thousands of commuters have been left stranded in recent days, with operator NZ Bus cancelling up to 30 buses a day in the morning rush hour.