Dear Patrick

Number of cancelled bus trips in the Christchurch metropolitan area for October, November, and December 2022 respectively:
- October - 4111
- November - 4054
- December - 3727

Canterbury is currently experiencing a public bus driver shortage which has affected our Greater Christchurch Metro network since late 2021. This is a national issue that has disrupted public transport services in all other major urban centres around New Zealand. The driver shortage is mainly the result of a competitive labour market and has been further exacerbated by Covid-related illness over the past year.

While our operators do their best to run every trip, sometimes driver availability means this is not possible. We understand the frustration customers face when services are unexpectedly cancelled, and we are working closely with our operators to minimise disruptions.

This includes prioritising school services and having our express services pick up passengers along regular routes. Operators also try to avoid the cancellation of consecutive trips on a single route where possible.

Kind regards
Environment Canterbury

show quoted sections