Driver illness and shortages means more bus replacements for trains across Auckland

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Kia ora Neighbours,

Buses will replace trains this weekend, but on a reduced schedule to account for drivers falling sick.

All Auckland Transport trains will be swapped out with buses this weekend (starting Friday at 9.30pm on the Western Line), as KiwiRail has essential maintenance to complete.

Those replacement buses will be less frequent that normal on the Eastern, Southern and Western Lines "while driver shortage and high rates of driver sickness continue," AT says.

AT Group Manager Metro Services Darek Koper says he knows it's frustrating but drivers cannot be asked to work while ill.

“We all know friends or family members who are being knocked about at the moment by winter illnesses, whether it’s COVID-19, the flu, or a bad cold doing the rounds,” said Koper.

“We’re asking Aucklanders to be patient and understanding as we work with our operators to hire and train more drivers, but for the meantime we will unfortunately see more disruption to our services this winter.”

The best way to keep up with network changes is through the AT Mobile app or via the journey planner online.

More messages from your neighbours

2 hours ago

Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.

A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/

Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.

• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.

• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.

• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.

Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.

Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.

14 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.