Tens of thousands of Auckland commuters had to find alternative transport to work today as most of the city's bus services were suspended.
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10.08am: Herald transport writer Matthew Dearnaley has been out with commuters this morning. He reports that most people, including those walking into the CBD, have been philosophical about the disruption.
He saw around 100 drivers on a picket at the Mt Roskill depot and spoke to many on Sandringham Road who did not know there was a stoppage before they got to the bus stop.
9.28am: Shaun Hayward came from Grey Lyn this morning on a Ritchies Bus and said the driver was courteous and helped him with his child's buggy.
He said the bus was clean, there was background music and the trip took just under 20 minutes.
"Overall a complete stark contrast to what is normally experienced on both Metrolink and Go West buses," Mr Hayward said. He said he was "seriously thinking" about switching to Ritchies from now on.
9.09am: A sample of twitter views on the bus stoppage:
Drommie - I love the bus strike. Best morning drive into Auckland CBD ever!
AA Traffic - The Auckland motorways seem to be fairly normal despite the bus strikes, the school holidays have taken a lot of cars off the road
Simon Whitbread - No Auckland bus drivers today = Safer for everyone! (unless THEY go out in a car) WORST drivers I've met in the world
8.50am: Auckland City Council bus lane monitors are still out in force this morning with their cameras.
Motorists who use the bus lane face a fine of $150.
8.43am: Lana Guest caught a $25 taxi into town - it usually costs her $1.60 on the bus.
8.31am: Auckland Regional Council said it may impose a financial penalty on NZ Bus for withdrawing services. Chairman Mike Lee said it would look to penalise the company for the disruption to the ratepayers because of the subsidies paid to the bus company.
The council gives NZ Bus $150,000 a day in subsidies.
8.29am: The bus stoppage could last five or six days, a union says. Gary Froggatt, president of the Tramways Union which represents about 600 of the locked out drivers, said the work-to-rule notice would not be withdrawn until there was a settlement.
He said that could mean no buses for several days unless there was a move from the company because the unions would not back down.
8.25am: Steve Mascarenhas has jumped on a Howick bus from Parnell and said a lot of people have taken to their cars. He said the buses are not full but the roads are busier than usual.
Mr Mascarenhas said he asked NZ Bus if he could use his Go Rider monthly pass on the Howick bus but was told no.
"They said: we will do something later but not right now. I just want them to take care of the scenario and get it fixed once and for all," he said.
8.05am: Cherie Laurie came from Manurewa this morning after having to stay at her partner's house for a lift to work. That has meant her partner is late for work and they are both facing higher petrol costs this week.
Ms Laurie said normally the trip takes her 20 minutes in the morning but this morning it was 35 minutes. She said she is also out of pocket after buying a monthly pass and would like to see some compensation.
"There was also no notification, there was nothing on the bus. I didn't know until I was told by family member," Ms Laurie said.
8.03am: Time Saver Traffic update on the motorways at 8am:
Southern Mwy (SH1) - Citybound OTHUHU-TECOMA ST: Heavy
Southbound GRFTN-MRKET RD: Moderate
South Western Mwy (SH20) - Citybound SH1-WIRI: Heavy
Southbound WIRI-SH1: Heavy
Northern Mwy (SH1) - Citybound TRIST AV-ESMON RD: Congested
Northbound FANSHW ST-ONEWA RD: Moderate
North Western Mwy (SH16) - Citybound PTCHEV-NEWTN: Moderate
Westbound ROYAL RD-HBVILL: Moderate
Airport Mwy / George Bolt Memorial Drive (SH20) - Citybound MONTGOM RD-MASSEY RD: Stopped
7.45am: One driver estimated traffic coming into the CBD from the west was 20 per cent down on usual, suggesting many may have decided to stay home.
7.30am: Park and ride bus stations on the North Shore are reported to be quieter than usual as some passengers stay away. The buses which are running, however, including the Northern Express, are more crowded than on an average day.
4am: All Go West, Waka Pacific, Link and City Circuit bus services suspended for the day.
- NZ HERALD STAFF, AGENCIES
