Mum speaks out for bus-reliant users stranded by AT system failures

Recent cancellations and delays in Auckland’s public bus system are extra harsh for those who have no other transport option, warns a Torbay resident.

Kyra Perwick's son Kyle cannot drive for medical reasons, relying entirely on the bus system to get him where he needs.

And she says the bus cancellations and unreliability have had a significant impact on her family.

“The situation has become so dire that Kyle's 81-year-old father has been taking him to work every day, which has left him anxious and tired."

She emphasises the necessity of a reliable public bus system for individuals like Kyle.

"For people like my son to succeed, there needs to be the reliability of a public bus system. That's all he asks for, and then he will do the rest."

Kyle is a valued employee at his job in Birkenhead and has the option of working there based on his bus schedule.

However, recent cancellations have resulted in Kyle arriving to work late.

The buses home from work are frequently cancelled or too full, adding to Kyle's stress and uncertainty about public transportation.

Kyra says she speaks for people like Kyle, who use the bus system out of necessity.

She believes that Auckland Transport needs to provide a better service if they are to encourage more people to leave their cars behind.

National Party Transport Spokesperson Simeon Brown has expressed his concerns over the issue of bus cancellations.

"Making sure transport is reliable, efficient and gets to where people need it to go is at the forefront of my mind."

Despite Auckland Council's decision to increase bus driver wages twice last year, Brown says that the shortage of drivers remains a problem.

"Without having enough people who are qualified, it doesn't matter how much you pay them."

Brown suggests that the solution is to train more drivers and encourage more people to consider bus driving as a job.

He warns that the repercussions of people driving to work will lead to more congestion on motorways, making travelling challenging for people.

Brown emphasises that investing in public transport is essential to decongesting roads in Auckland and has advised individuals to raise their concerns with Auckland Council and the Minister of Transport, Michael Wood.

Brown will be attending a public meeting on March 27 for commuters to air their complaints.