Driver illness and shortages means more bus replacements for trains across Auckland

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Kia ora Neighbours,

Buses will replace trains this weekend, but on a reduced schedule to account for drivers falling sick.

All Auckland Transport trains will be swapped out with buses this weekend (starting Friday at 9.30pm on the Western Line), as KiwiRail has essential maintenance to complete.

Those replacement buses will be less frequent that normal on the Eastern, Southern and Western Lines "while driver shortage and high rates of driver sickness continue," AT says.

AT Group Manager Metro Services Darek Koper says he knows it's frustrating but drivers cannot be asked to work while ill.

“We all know friends or family members who are being knocked about at the moment by winter illnesses, whether it’s COVID-19, the flu, or a bad cold doing the rounds,” said Koper.

“We’re asking Aucklanders to be patient and understanding as we work with our operators to hire and train more drivers, but for the meantime we will unfortunately see more disruption to our services this winter.”

The best way to keep up with network changes is through the AT Mobile app or via the journey planner online.