20 Jul 2019

Most Wellington bus commuters say new network worse than before

9:06 pm on 20 July 2019

The majority of bus commuters in the capital are considering using their car instead, according to a survey.

Commuters at a bus stop in Newtown

Commuters at a bus stop in Newtown Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton

Since the new services and routes hit the road a year ago, Wellington buses have been late, full, or not showing up at all.

Two city councillors set up an online survey - especially targeted at the suburb of Karori - during peak rush hour.

About half of the 468 responses came from people in Karori when the May survey was completed.

Ninety-one percent of people said the new bus service was worse than before July last year, while 72 percent were considering alternative transport options - mainly vehicles.

Meanwhile, about half were using the bus less.

Councillor Diane Calvert said the bus saga was eroding the social fabric of Wellington.

"I've noticed more cars on the road.

She said the regional council, bus operators, and New Zealande Transport Agency needed to go back to the drawing board to fix the problem.

"The writing was on the wall even before it even went live last year."

A review is underway.

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