November 22, 2018
Fare increase could cover GoBus shortfall
Hamilton's longest serving city councillor is proposing the council drop its opposition to a 2.5 percent bus fare increase if the additional income is used to increase the wages of GoBus drivers.
Bus service contracts are run by the Waikato Regional Council.
Dave Macpherson, who chairs the council’s growth & infrastructure committee, is supporting Hamilton bus drivers who were locked out after threatening to take action in support of a claim for a fair wage.
He says the drivers are at the forefront of the resurgence in the city's public transport system, and it's time for all parties to get realistic about how they value their staff.
It's sad GoBus management escalated the issue by locking out their workers when they are owned by the commercial arms of Tainui and Ngāi Tahu.
Mr Macpherson says the Regional Council, GoBus and its iwi owners also need to make a contribution.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com