New Zealand bus drivers are assisting one of the biggest headaches for Sydney commuters: the prolonged driver shortage on the Northern Beaches.
Three in ten bus service cancellations in Sydney occur on Northern Beaches routes because the area struggles to attract and retain enough drivers.
Sydney's bus driver deficit blew out past 500 after the Liberals privatised bus services and the Minns Labor Government has brought the deficit down to 179 last month through recruitment campaigns, free training and cash sign-on bonuses of up to $3000.
Due to its comparitively high housing costs which price many workers out of the area, the bus driver shortage at Northern Beaches depots has remained persistent over years and its services most susceptible to last-minute cancellation.
To address this, Transport for NSW has gone further afield than ever before in its recruitment search and has so far assisted 17 qualified bus drivers from New Zealand to get behind the wheel for private operator Keolis Downer in Region 8 which encompasses the lower north shore, Manly and Palm Beach.
Another 10-20 bus drivers are currently being recruited.
Kiwi drivers willing to answer NSW's call have their air fare paid and six weeks accommodation in the area provided rent-free.
No visa is required for New Zealand drivers under mutual recognition arrangements between our two countries.
They do not qualify for the $2000-$3000 cash sign-on bonuses offered to new and experienced Australian drivers.
Overall, bus driver job vacancies across Sydney have fallen from around 500 in April 2023 to 162 this month, and cancellations are down to 1.54 per cent of all scheduled services.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"Australians have a tradition of adopting New Zealanders as our own - think Russell Crowe, Neil Finn and Sam Neill. But if you're waiting for a bus on Pittwater Road, the Kiwi driving the next service may just become your favourite import yet.
"We have worked overtime to reduce the bus driver shortage we inherited, but the deficit on the Northern Beaches has remained intractable. This is a special situation that has required a special fix.
"The Minns Labor Government wants to send a big kia ora to the 17 drivers from New Zealand who have so far helped us out with their experience and professionalism."
Coordinator General Howard Collins said:
"This is a practical, targeted initiative that will help address driver shortages in one of the most challenging parts of the network to recruit for.
"Our door is always open to men and women who are interested in becoming bus drivers in NSW, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to consider this rewarding and essential career.
"By bringing in qualified drivers who can transition quickly into service, we're strengthening reliability for passengers while continuing to build a sustainable local workforce."
