A bus driver who drove drunk with passengers on board says he's not the worst bus driver in the country.
Tony Trevor Simpson admitted in the Auckland District Court this week to driving with a breath alcohol level of more than the legal limit of 400 micrograms per litre of breath. Simpson had a 687mcg reading when he was intercepted by police, who had been contacted by a concerned motorist.
Ten passengers were on the Takapuna-bound Ritchies bus on July 10 on Albert St, in central Auckland. Simpson was fined $600 and disqualified from driving for a year and a day.
Simpson — who has resigned from his job — told the Herald on Sunday that during a break he drank alcohol that was stored behind his seat.
"It was a one-off event and I'm very sorry ... there were various issues, but I'm not going to go into them. I just had a bad day.