Bus driver's reported motorway U-turn investigated

In late August a Northern Express bus turned into oncoming traffic on the harbour bridge

A bus driver has been stood down amid reports he did two U-turns on a busy motorway in Wellington.

NZ Bus chief executive Zane Fulljames said an investigation was underway.

"I can confirm that there was an incident, that the driver has been immediately stood down from driving and an investigation is underway," he said.

"Safe driving behaviour should be top of mind for all behind the wheel of any motor vehicle, in our business any driving behaviour that may have put passengers or other road users at risk is viewed extremely seriously."

Mr Fulljames said he would make no further comment until the investigation had been completed.

Fairfax Media reported the incident was on the motorway between Lower Hutt and Wellington yesterday morning.

The Valley Flyer bus driver reportedly took the wrong off-ramp and did two U-turns to get back onto the motorway, blocking southbound traffic.

It follows a similar incident in Auckland two months ago.

In late August a Northern Express bus turned into oncoming traffic on the harbour bridge, horrifying some of the 15 passengers on board.

The driver's employer, Ritchie Transport, said the incident was out of character. Police said it appeared to be the result of a medical event.