Bus strike needs to be sorted by school start

Media release

Thursday, 9 October 2009

"The prospect of bus services still be being suspended when tens of thousands of Auckland school students start the fourth term next week would be hugely disruptive," says Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association.

“Newmarket would be more affected than most. We’re such a hub for thousands of neighbouring secondary school students catching buses. Families would struggle to find a satisfactory alternative. Buses are critical to Auckland schools and students who are so reliant on them," says Mr Brewer.

"Auckland has so far coped well, but it has been helped by the fact that it is school holidays when traditionally the pressure is somewhat off Auckland's buses and roading network.

"If the industrial action continues into next week there will be real problems. Auckland's transport infrastructure, businesses, schools and families would be put under real pressure. Morning train services would be stretched beyond capacity, some students would have to catch costly taxis, more would be forced onto the motorways, and parents would be late for work.

"Buses are Auckland’s lifeblood. Let's hope this can be well sorted out before the schools go back otherwise it's going to really hinder Auckland's ability to function as the country's largest city and commercial capital," says Cameron Brewer.

For more information please visit the following website: http://http://www.newmarket.net.nz
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