95bFM Public transport to become council owned and operated
16 August, 2022
By Emily Talbot
CEO of the Bus and Coach Association of New Zealand, Ben McFadgen, argues that a centralised model will not fix the bus driver shortage. Photo: Heart of the City.
New legislation will see councils directly own and operate public transport services.
The existing, long-running operating model, established in 2003, will be replaced with a Sustainable Public Transport Framework.
Transport Minister Michael Wood has claimed the new model will alleviate worker shortages.
"The current model is causing operators to wind back services and timetables because they can't get drivers. Public transport is too important to our environmental, social and economic goals to allow this to continue."
Wood said the new model will also give local authorities more flexibility and control over public transport in their communities
CEO of the Bus and Coach Association of New Zealand, Ben McFadgen, told Emily Talbot on 95bFM's The Wire that a centralised model will not fix the bus driver shortage.
There is a general skills shortage worldwide. Where will the skills and expertise to run the services for a public transport agency come from?"
"COVID and the closing of NZ's borders has led to the instability we see now. Multiple industries are suffering."
Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air
