A transport workers’ union is celebrating a successful NZ Bus bid for services in the Bay of Plenty.
First Union spokesperson Jared Abbott says his members “are stoked” with the outcome which will see drivers earn higher wages, he told BusinessDesk.
Infratil-owned NZ Bus are offering $20.50 an hour compared to former operator Go Bus which offered $18.
The union carried out strike actions over the past 12 months in an effort to change Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s tendering process in favour of higher wages, Abbott told BusinessDesk.
Regional Council Public Transport Committee chairman Lyall Thurston says the tender process was highly competitive for the nine-year contract that will enhance public transport in Tauranga.
The new contract is worth $14.8 million up from the previous $12.8m contract held by Go Bus.
Details of the new network including specific routes and timetable information will be released later in the year and schools will receive information relating to school bus routes near the end of term two.
