Newmarket Business Association

Media release

Wednesday, 6 October 2009
 

Auckland bus strike - school holidays only saving grace  
 

"Tomorrow's expected suspension of widespread bus services is going to put Auckland's transport infrastructure and businesses under extra pressure. Thankfully it is school holidays," says Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association

"Morning train services will be stretched, taxis will be scarce, and more people will be forced into cars. We are just grateful it is school holidays when the pressure is somewhat off Auckland's buses and roading network.  

"A lot of employees will be late for work and some may not even get there which is a bit of a worry for the country's commercial centre. It will also mean some shops and businesses won't open on time," says Cameron Brewer.

Industrial action looks set to happen from 4.30am tomorrow, taking 700 buses off the roads and disrupting the travel plans of up to 80,000 Aucklanders.
 
"Buses are Auckland’s lifeblood. Let's hope this can be well sorted out before the schools go back. For a sprawling city that’s so dependent on buses, suspending so many bus services is akin to shutting down some of London’s Underground.
 
"This has the potential to be negative for Auckland’s reputation in the eyes of overseas visitors. The likes of the Link Bus are so key for tourists getting around the city's central suburbs.
 
“Newmarket is likely to be more adversely affected than most simply because we’re such a hub for buses. It's ironic that in the same week Grafton Bridge is officially opened as a dedicated bus corridor, bus services are then suspended," says Mr Brewer.  
 

Ends  

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