Bus drivers in Auckland are getting a pay boost in an effort to attract more workers as the sector experiences critical staff shortages.
Auckland mayor Phil Goff said the much-needed pay boost will help recruit and retain drivers.
"Ensuring that our public transport system is funded to be fully staffed and provide reliable and regular services is critical to encouraging more people to use it," Goff said.
"More people on buses means less congestion, less pollution and reduced carbon emissions."
Drivers will get an immediate average increase of 8 percent bringing wages up to $25.62 an hour. Goff also said further wage increases are in the pipeline.
"It helps recognise the importance of the job and the responsibilities our drivers have.
"We will be working with Waka Kotahi and the Government through Auckland Transport to secure funding for further pay increases over the next year," Goff said.
Auckland Transport Interim Chief Executive Mark Lambert said it was important for AT to increase driver pay as soon as funding became available.
"Bus drivers are the backbone of the transport system in Auckland, carrying tens of thousands of people each day," Lambert said.
"We're pleased that their loyalty is being rewarded with this wage increase, but this is just the first step in our plans to improve conditions for all our AT Metro bus drivers, who work so hard to keep our city moving."
Before the increase the average rate for drivers working on AT Metro services was $23.71 an hour.
Lambert said the figures out last week showing inflation had reached a 32-year high reinforced the importance of AT increasing driver pay as soon as possible.
"The wage increases we're announcing today will go some way to helping retain our current bus drivers as well as to bring more drivers into the industry.
"We know further increases will be needed to address the rising cost of living and to help us keep more of our highly skilled and experienced drivers.
"Our bus drivers have been great ambassadors for their employers and for Auckland Transport throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, playing a vital role helping to keep Aucklanders connected."
Annual inflation increased a whopping 7.3 percent in the June quarter, Statistics New Zealand data shows.
FIRST Union Assistant General Secretary Louisa Jones said the pay increase is "significant and meaningful".
"This is a major first step in retaining experienced bus drivers and attracting new people to an industry that is crucial in New Zealand's recovery from the pandemic and our thriving cities," Jones said.
"FIRST Union and Tramways Union bus driver members are committed to continuing to work closely with regional councils and operators to ensure that bus driving remains a great career choice for New Zealanders."
It comes after commuters complained of cancelled services which AT said was due to winter illness, COVID-19 and staffing issues.
