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Some 12,000 bus services across Auckland will continue every day, however, which AT said accounts for more than 85 per cent of the network. Those most impacted by the removal of services included the City Link, the Inner Link and the Northern Express, with between 26 and 53 scheduled buses cut for … View moreSome 12,000 bus services across Auckland will continue every day, however, which AT said accounts for more than 85 per cent of the network. Those most impacted by the removal of services included the City Link, the Inner Link and the Northern Express, with between 26 and 53 scheduled buses cut for each route every day.
Buses operating in and around Auckland’s central suburbs would see the greatest number of removed services. In total, 931 services a day would be discontinued across the city from Sunday, November 6.
Auckland Transport announced the reduced services to lower the number of cancelled buses and said it would give public transit users “more certainty”, a decision which has been called a cynical and terrible move for commuters and users.
AT’s group manager of Metro Services Darek Koper said an ongoing shortage of bus drivers meant AT hadn’t been able to deliver the full scheduled service for “some time now”.
“This year we have struggled to operate our full bus timetable because of the effects of the national driver shortage, which has led to far more cancellations ... than we would usually see,” Koper said.
National’s transport spokesman Simeon Brown criticised a lack of focus on keeping public transport efficient and reliable and the Public Transport Users’ Association also lambasted AT’s failure to ensure buses could arrive as scheduled.
Koper admitted the cuts, which will remove services riddled by frequent cancellations, were “not the answer” to ongoing service disruptions and would limit the growth of public transport use.
The decision comes ahead of a year of major disruption on several Auckland rail lines that would see buses replace trains amid the major $330 million rail network rebuild.
Ongoing and regular bus cancellations have frustrated passengers since April but Koper said the timetable changes would reduce any further cancellations and give passengers more certainty when planning their trips.
“We’re not taking anything away that’s currently running. We are just temporarily removing them in the timetable, so they won’t show up and then appear as cancelled,” Koper said.
AT aimed to keep a number of scheduled services, including the first and last trip of the day and school buses and city routes with high patronage of students.
“We are still running 12,000 bus trips a day and we’re working on adding services back to our timetables as soon as bus operators can recruit more drivers.”
National’s Simeon Brown laid partial blame for the timetable cuts on the Government for making it difficult for bus operators to find new staff.
“These service cuts by Auckland Transport will cause additional disruption for public transport users and are partially due to the Government keeping immigration settings so tight that it is impossible for businesses to find staff, including bus drivers,” he said.
“The Government has spent the last five years spending tens of millions on pet projects like light rail and a cycling bridge across the Harbour Bridge which have gone nowhere, when their focus should have been on making sure that the existing public transport services were run efficiently and reliably.”
The Public Transport Users’ Association co-ordinator Jon Reeves said: “It seems like AT is just trying to cover their derrieres to make their statistics and data look better by simply wiping off scheduled services they couldn’t deliver and then saying that 100 per cent of [scheduled buses] turn up.
“I would suggest it is a cynical move, and it’s certainly not in passengers’ favour. AT is there to deliver a service, and they’re failing when the buses aren’t even turning up.”
A spokesman for Transport Minister Michael Wood could not comment on the decision to cut services as it was an operational matter for AT. Wood did, however, say the Government was committed to well-serviced public transport and having enough bus drivers was crucial.
“It is clear that there are currently challenges recruiting bus drivers in many of our cities around New Zealand. Our Government recognises that improving the conditions of drivers will make it easier to recruit and retain the workforce, allowing frequent and reliable bus services.”
“That’s why we are moving ahead with reforms to the public transport operating model, introducing Fair Pay Agreements, and yesterday announced [funding] to support the sector to standardise minimum base wage rates towards a target rate, which will help recruit and retain drivers,” Wood said.
Koper said there had already been moves to improve staffing numbers.
“There have been some positive movements around bus driving as a vocation, benefiting both existing drivers and supporting recruitment drives.
“With funding support from Auckland Council and Waka Kotahi, there has been two recent increases in base remuneration for drivers with a further increase through government funding,” he said.
The Government announced on Sunday it is spending $61 million to lift bus driver wages to address nationwide worker shortages.
Wood said the money - allocated in this year’s Budget - would be spent over four years to lift base wage rates towards $30 an hour for urban services and $28 an hour for regional services.
He said there were about 800 drivers needed across the country.
AT needed 500 of those drivers to meet the shortfall. Recruitment of drivers in east Auckland had already enabled a return to full timetabled services since their removal there in May.
The Herald approached Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s office for comment but did not receive a response.
Last month, however, Wayne Brown told AT in a letter it needed a “complete change in approach”.
“You appear to have been focused on changing how Aucklanders live, using transport policy and services as a tool,” Wayne Brown said.
“Instead, AT must seek to deeply understand how Aucklanders actually live now, how they want to live in the future, and deliver transport services that support those aspirations.”
In response to the letter, AT Interim chief executive Mark Lambert said the AT team is looking forward to working constructively with the Mayor, Councillors, Local Boards and communities.
“We agree with the mayor that a new approach is needed to better understand the needs and expectations of our communities, and how we, our decisions and the work we do impacts on people’s daily lives.”
Only hours after being elected mayor on October 8, AT chairwoman Adrienne Young-Cooper resigned after learning Wayne Brown wanted her and the directors gone.
The following day in an exclusive letter to Aucklanders in the Herald on Sunday, Wayne Brown said his immediate priority was AT.
“There is no council agency which is so important to Aucklanders or one about which you are angrier,” he wrote.
Wayne Brown has also said he wants to install transponders for buses to trigger green lights and synchronised traffic lights for general traffic to improve traffic flows.
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Soap Pump, Dimensions: 20 x 7cm
Toilet Brush Holder (without brush), Dimensions: 10.2cm x 10.2cm x 22.3cm
Please help protect the Tūpuna Maunga from potential fireworks-related damage this Guy Fawkes.
The Maunga will be closed every evening of 2-6 November from 7.30pm. Security staff will be onsite over this time.
Maunga tū, Maunga ora, Maunga ora, Tāmaki ora! If the Maunga are well, Auckland… View morePlease help protect the Tūpuna Maunga from potential fireworks-related damage this Guy Fawkes.
The Maunga will be closed every evening of 2-6 November from 7.30pm. Security staff will be onsite over this time.
Maunga tū, Maunga ora, Maunga ora, Tāmaki ora! If the Maunga are well, Auckland is well!
A 72-year-old man went missing from the New Lynn area and Police are asking for help from the community.
Matasavii Levao left his address on Crown Lynn Place at around 7am on 1 November for a walk. He has not returned.
At the time he was wearing grey sweatpants, a white skivvy, grey jumper … View moreA 72-year-old man went missing from the New Lynn area and Police are asking for help from the community.
Matasavii Levao left his address on Crown Lynn Place at around 7am on 1 November for a walk. He has not returned.
At the time he was wearing grey sweatpants, a white skivvy, grey jumper with white spots on it and a hat.
There are concerns for his wellbeing from both Police and Matasavii’s family.
If you sight Matasavii or have seen him, please contact Police on 105 quoting the file number 221101/5651
If you have items unsuitable for your roadside collections, find out how to dispose of your items properly, and help keep our community clean.
Kia ora neighbours, a bus interchange being built by a busy motorway offramp is baffling the local community and concerns are rising about the possibility of crashes.
Act MP Simon Court, who lives in West Auckland, said people were “upset and confused” by a speed bump and bus stop being put … View moreKia ora neighbours, a bus interchange being built by a busy motorway offramp is baffling the local community and concerns are rising about the possibility of crashes.
Act MP Simon Court, who lives in West Auckland, said people were “upset and confused” by a speed bump and bus stop being put in at the Te Atatū motorway offramp.
“I saw the speed bump and asked Transport Minister Michael Wood why it was there and he told me it would help slow down traffic near the new bus stop.
How do you feel about the new bus stop?
Read the full story at the link below.
Please pm me with any details. Thanks Mary
It is with huge disappointment that we are cancelling Ambury Farm Day due to bad weather. We have been looking forward to having everyone back to enjoy this incredible event but unfortunately the weather has not worked for us.
We look forward to seeing you for the Farm Day next year, but do come … View moreIt is with huge disappointment that we are cancelling Ambury Farm Day due to bad weather. We have been looking forward to having everyone back to enjoy this incredible event but unfortunately the weather has not worked for us.
We look forward to seeing you for the Farm Day next year, but do come out and visit anytime – the animals are always happy to see visitors.
Meeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.
We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, … View moreMeeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.
We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, it will create a lasting impact that goes beyond a treat at Christmas.
For only $40 you can donate a Christmas Box to a family in need, providing not just practical help, but much deserved hope too.
To celebrate the FIFA World Cup, the TV Guide is giving you the chance to upgrade your lounge and impress your friends with a brand new 55” Panasonic 4K TV. Catch all the action with Panasonic’s new Premium LED TV, perfect for watching the FIFA World Cup, your favourite movies, streaming … View moreTo celebrate the FIFA World Cup, the TV Guide is giving you the chance to upgrade your lounge and impress your friends with a brand new 55” Panasonic 4K TV. Catch all the action with Panasonic’s new Premium LED TV, perfect for watching the FIFA World Cup, your favourite movies, streaming services, or classic TV shows.
Pick up a copy of the TV Guide each week between 13 Oct to 9 Nov, find the codeword, and follow the directions to be in to win! Each issue and codeword will be a new chance to win. You’ll have until 15 Nov to enter online or mail in your codeword. To view the T&Cs click here.
The team at the TV Guide
*based on recommended retail price
Come along,
See a mosque and take a tour around
Free bbq, ice cream, etc
Details on poster
This Sunday
30th
72 carr road
Mt roskill.
You’d be surprised at what you might see and learn from the Museum’s rooftop. 🏙️
The Incredible Rooftop Tour is back from next week, running all summer at 10.15am daily and select Tuesday evenings.
Check out the Museum's flag storage, peer into the iconic stained glass ceiling, … View moreYou’d be surprised at what you might see and learn from the Museum’s rooftop. 🏙️
The Incredible Rooftop Tour is back from next week, running all summer at 10.15am daily and select Tuesday evenings.
Check out the Museum's flag storage, peer into the iconic stained glass ceiling, enjoy views of Tāmaki Makaurau’s skyline and more.
Smartsizing is about creating a life of simplicity and enjoyment, by ensuring your home fits your lifestyle, now and in the future.
If you want to spend more time with family and friends, travel, stay active and learn new things, smartsizing makes this much easier. With less time spent on … View moreSmartsizing is about creating a life of simplicity and enjoyment, by ensuring your home fits your lifestyle, now and in the future.
If you want to spend more time with family and friends, travel, stay active and learn new things, smartsizing makes this much easier. With less time spent on maintenance and chores you’ll have more time to create a life full of enjoyment and meaning.
These webinars will offer insight into how you can make this happen.
Join us to hear from experts in their field as they offer insight into how you can achieve this.
Understanding the property market - Presented by Shane Cortese on Monday 14 November, 3:30pm.
Smart home technology - Presented by Grant Sidaway on Tuesday 15 November, 3:30pm.
Downsizing your way to a richer, happier life - Presented by Peter Walsh on Wednesday 16 November, 3:30pm.
These informative presentations are not to be missed, to find out more or to register click below.
Keep daytime deliveries secure with this simple to build box that doubles as a seat painted in Resene Lustacryl. Find out how to create your own.
With spring in the air, the price of veggies on the rise and Christmas around the corner there has never been a better time to get gardening!
You don’t need to spend big to get involved, and The Warehouse has plenty of options for anyone – from the avid green thumbs to the gardening novices.… View moreWith spring in the air, the price of veggies on the rise and Christmas around the corner there has never been a better time to get gardening!
You don’t need to spend big to get involved, and The Warehouse has plenty of options for anyone – from the avid green thumbs to the gardening novices. You could grow a few veggies, fruit trees or even some windowsill herbs – all are a small step to living more sustainably, while saving a little money! Check out 7 ways to garden greener with The Warehouse.
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