Letter to Steven Joyce Regarding Buses and Earthquakes

29 March 2011

The Wellington Tramways Union represents bus drivers in the Wellington region, specifically at Go Wellington, Valley Flyer and Mana Coach Services. The recent disasters in Christchurch & Japan have highlighted some growing disquiet around the situation facing the travelling public and our members in Wellington.

During previous liaison meetings with our employers, discussion on the subject have been met with glazed eyes and blank stares. It is timely therefore to raise this issue at the highest levels. A recent news item on national television featured the rescue of a passenger on a Christchurch bus. Sadly, seven other occupants and the driver were deceased, after the entire roof structure of the bus collapsed under falling masonry.

Notwithstanding that current bus specifications dictate a roll over standard for the roof structure; such a critical area may require further attention in the circumstances.

I suggest nothing less than a comprehensive examination of previous example in formulating a plan and course of action for the travelling public and our members, going forward, would be appropriate given the situation in Wellington.

There are also implications for other bus drivers around the country, particularly Auckland given its volcanic cone location.

We are mindful of the following issues:

Are the current specifications with regard to the bus shell and in particular the bus roof adequate?

In the Wellington CBD there are 100 buildings that are flagged as being at risk of collapse, most of which are on heavily used bus routes.

In the aftermath of a catastrophic event do civil defence and the Wellington Metlink contractors have a plan? We believe currently in the immediate aftermath of such an event people will be left to fend for themselves. Bus drivers are unclear what is meant to happen in such an event when we have a bus load of passengers.

We’d appreciate your responses to our concerns on this matter.

ENDS

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