Changes to bus driver rest and meal breaks under the Employment Relations Act 2000 have forced a delay in the reinstatement of some bus routes on the Tauranga Bayhopper Network, according to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Following feedback from local communities, the Public Transport Committee agreed at itsMarch meeting to reinstate the Pāpāmoa, Maungatapu and Matua bus services, the council said in a written statement.
The reinstated routes were due to be implemented in April, however the upcoming bus driver meal break changes meant they will now be delayed until later this year, the written statement read.
The legislative changes for meal breaks will come into effect on May 6.
"The legislative changes are impacting bus networks across the country. We are working closely with NZ Bus so that any changes to bus drivers' rest and meal breaks can be implemented as smoothly as possible in the Western Bay of Plenty," Bay of Plenty Regional Council general manager strategy and science Namouta Poutasi said in the statement.
"We will provide as much information as possible, as early as possible, to our local communities about any impacts to the bus network as a result of these legislative changes, including via our website and Facebook page," said Poutasi.
