Bus operators hold lives in their hands, work difficult shifts for little reward, but would prefer to avoid strike, Peter Calder writes in the first instalment of his new column.

A cycling expert is calling on the Government to provide dedicated cycleways with curbing channels to protect cyclists from traffic.

Council transport chairman cites lack of competition for the high outlays.

Spending on roads and public transport by central and local government over the next three years will increase by almost 13 per cent with much of the additional cash coming from fuel tax and road user charge hikes, Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says.