Capital bus services to be cancelled today

At least 11 off-peak bus services in Wellington and the Hutt Valley will be cancelled today as drivers attend a stop-work meeting.

The meeting will allow Tramways Union members employed by NZ Bus to vote on a proposed collective agreement tabled by the company.

The union said last week it had reached a provisional settlement with the operator but required a full member vote to ratify the agreement.

Greater Wellington Regional Council, which runs the region’s public transport network, said services would be cancelled on 11 bus routes between 9am and 3pm today.

The council advised commuters to consider alternative transport options between 9am and 3pm but said school services should not be affected.

The council re-tendered the region’s commuter bus contracts in July but drivers’ terms and conditions were not retained in the changeover.

This has led to extensive contract negotiations between the union and bus operators.