The festive season is a time of excess. But as the country’s top traffic officer Paula Rose tells Alan Perrott, there is little cheer in counting its cost.

Anger among commuters trapped on a train crowded with U2 fans, rather than random idiocy, is being blamed for disrupted rail services to the first of the Irish band's two Mt Smart concerts.

Consultants have produced a glowing business case for a $2 billion-plus inner Auckland rail tunnel.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown expects a $2 billion rail tunnel through central Auckland to be completed within seven years, but who will pick up the bill remains uncertain.

Police are appalled at the condition of Christchurch's bus fleet after a sting that saw 28 buses pulled off the city's streets.

A 50-year-old bus driver sacked for sexual harassment denies the claims - but admits she talked about getting 'pissed' with 15-year-olds.