Wellington reducing buses during peak times to try stop near-constant cancellations

The new timetable begins on July 25.
The new timetable begins on July 25. Photo credit: Getty Images

Wellington's bus timetable is being shaken up in an attempt to overcome a chronic staff shortage.

Public transport provider Metlink said to improve reliability, it was reducing some peak services, while increasing off-peak options.

There has been an increasing amount of cancellations for peak services in recent months due to an acute shortage of bus drivers.

Metlink said Covid-19 had been impacting operators both by not being able to recruit from other countries, and staff staying at home if they were sick.

The changes are also designed to ease the burden on drivers by reducing split shifts.

The new timetable will begin from 25 July and can be found here.