"Police were called and the first buses were able to roll out of the depot and Transport Centre about 7.45am.
"However, it's resulted in significant delays to our services.
"This will have impacted on our passengers across the city and in particular students, many of whom were due to sit NCEA and university exams today."
Go Bus has said its lockout notice will stand until the drivers drop their claim for the living wage.
The company has instead offered a 1.5 per cent pay rise.
Go Bus was contracted to run the bus service by the Waikato Regional Council.
Council chairman of the transport committee Russ Rimmington told the Herald on Friday the living wage was not included in the council contract to Go Bus.
"Waikato Regional Council has not got the appetite to put more money up because we have an annual plan process that we've budgeted.
"My personal sympathies are with the drivers but, actually, we are obliged to stick with what our Waikato Regional Council has contracted for."