Bus users complain of stench

Buses at work around Auckland City. Photo / Dean Purcell.

Blood, vomit, urine-soaked seats and the stench of "a dead rat" are among the complaints of angry Auckland public transport users.

Disgusted commuters have filed formal complaints with Auckland Transport over the conditions on council-contracted services - with one woman saying she is "terrified" of riding the bus again.

The Herald on Sunday has obtained 37 written complaints under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act, filed with AT since January 1, 2014.

The most common cites urine - including passengers' clothing made wet and smelly from sitting in soaked seats and people "overwhelmed by the smell".

Vomit and overall cleanliness were also cited a number of times.

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Other complaints included "a rather alarming quantity of what looked like blood on the floor", "a large bundle of human hair" and a surprising response from a driver. "The customer said it smelled like a dead rat and the driver responded 'it probably is'."

"Auckland's buses are operated under contract by various bus companies and their contract requires that the interior must be cleaned at least once a day," an AT spokesman said. He said all written complaints are sent to the bus operator.