Auckland bus drivers' strike affects thousands

Auckland's roads are missing a familiar sight today - Stagecoach buses. Herald file picture

The 24-hour bus drivers' stoppage in Auckland today may have affected up to 160-thousand commuters, including school children.

Close to 1,000 Stagecoach bus drivers across Auckland have turned off their engines.

Clogged motorways, the sight of hitch-hikers along routes to the city, and rail platforms crowded with frustrated train commuters were all signs of the disruption to the city's transport systems this morning.

Combined Unions Advocate Gary Froggatt says the drivers are asking for $16 an hour, tea breaks and shorter shifts.

He says the drivers regret having to take the action, but they feel time has come to make a stand, and they are not going to continue working in poor conditions.

Gary Froggatt warns there are more stoppages scheduled for next week.

Today's bus strike has had a big effect on the city's rail services. Connex says its trains have had an exceptional increase in passenger numbers, particularly on the western line.

Marketing and communications manager Tessa Marjoram says the company put on extra carriages to cope with the demand and most trains ran pretty much to time. Connex is expecting a similar bulge in numbers this afternoon.

The city's motorways were all running smoothly at midday, with congestion forecast again for rush hour this afternoon.

The drivers are scheduled to return to work at 4am tomorrow morning.

- NEWSTALK ZB, HERALD ONLINE STAFF