The days of diesel-powered buses trundling around Hamilton’s streets are numbered as transport bosses signal a major overhaul of public transport across Waikato. The short-term future of the city’s bus services has come under increasing scrutiny following a 30% drop-off in passenger numbers when compared to pre-Covid figures. \
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Compounding difficulties has been a crippling shortage of bus drivers. Hamilton bus services have been running on a reduced timetable since late February as operator Go Bus tries to fill a 20 per cent shortfall in drivers. \
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Regional councillor Angela Strange, who chairs the regional connections committee, said an immediate focus in getting passengers back on city buses. The way to do this is to offer a network of frequently serviced routes.
