The national driver shortage has reached Waiheke Island and the call is out to recruit more drivers for the island.
The Waiheke Bus Company (WBC) has advised Auckland Transport that despite big efforts and a recruitment campaign the driver shortage is affecting its ability to provide the full schedule of services on Waiheke.
AT's Bus Services Manager Darek Koper says some services between Matiatia and Onetangi will have to be cancelled.
"The plan is to maintain a half-hourly service on this route. All buses will wait for the ferries to arrive and all 50A services will cover the Jellicoe/Wellington loop.
"It's unfortunate that some services will be dropped but by going to a half-hourly schedule we will be able to guarantee services to passengers. We believe we will have enough capacity to meet the demand over the holiday period."
James Bailey from Waiheke Bus Company says, "We are working with Auckland Transport on this interim solution in order to minimise disruption to customers during the summer season. We remain committed to actively recruiting full and part-time drivers for our services on Waiheke."
The changes start on Monday 16 December and will run until the end of January.
- 50B trips will be dropped until cancelled drivers can be recruited
- 50A trips will continue to run, and will cover the Jellicoe/Wellington loop
- 502, 503 and 504 services will continue to run
- All buses will wait for ferries to arrive - WBC will instruct drivers to not leave until ferry has arrived and passengers have disembarked. Ferries via Devonport arrive later and passengers may experience longer wait times.
Click here to download an updated route map [PDF]
For help planning your journey, visit the Auckland Transport website.
For information on job vacancies at the Waiheke Bus Company, visit the Fullers website.
