Media release

Ministry finds alternative providers as bus operator’s contract terminated

The Ministry of Education has terminated the contract of Auckland bus operator PBC Party Bus after some of its vehicles failed safety tests.

The Ministry today said it would not compromise on safety even if it meant terminating a contract so close to the new term.

Alternative providers had been found to replace most school bus services in the North Shore and Northland areas provided by the company.

Concerns were raised following police spot checks on commercial vehicles found a number of buses in its fleet were unroadworthy. Subsequent checks by the New Zealand Transport Agency also found a number of defects.

The Ministry has worked with the police and the NZ Transport Agency to restore confidence in the safety of the company’s fleet. However, the Ministry was not given the assurance it needed so terminated the contract.

Replacement services have been found for all routes except schools at Panguru, Broadwood and Kohukohu which will be without a service on Tuesday, 2 February but will have services from Wednesday, 3 February.

Ministry transport officials will work with the schools to put alternative arrangements in place for Tuesday.

John Clark, the Ministry of Education’s Group Manager of Resourcing, said: “The Ministry won’t compromise on safety. It is vital any issues that come to our attention about the safety of vehicles operating on school routes are addressed immediately.

“Unfortunately, in the case of Party Bus, it has not met its contractual obligations, and has not satisfied the Ministry that its buses will be safely operated in the future.

“I appreciate the efforts of all the bus companies which have stepped in to run services at such short notice.”

For more information

Matt Radley
Senior Media Advisor
Phone (04) 463 8391 or 021 2416078