AT backs bus operator Ritchies in wake of two crashes in a week
The school bus that crashed into a tree injuring five children last week.
Photo:
RNZ/Calvin Samuel
Auckland Transport says it is confident that two recent bus crashes are isolated incidents, but admits it is unaware of the full circumstances.
Five children
were injured
last week when a school bus crashed into a tree, and
another child and a pedestrian were injured
on Monday when their bus crashed into a planter box.
Both buses were operated by contractor Ritchies.
"We are fully investigating the circumstances of the Pāhurehure and Torbay incidents and are resolved to implement any learnings we can across our fleet and our Team," Ritchies director of people, safety and culture Sharon Scott said.
"We already have a large and experienced team of driver trainers and experienced driver coaches at every depot. We are also investing in ground-breaking technology to enhance the safety experience across our AT fleet, for every journey, to ensure the safety of everyone aboard."
Auckland Transport said it was confident in Ritchies' operations.
"AT has confidence in the measures in place to ensure Ritchies has the necessary systems, processes, and procedures to operate its bus services safely and adequately," public transport operations group manager Rachel Cara said.
"We are confident that Ritchies complies with New Zealand standard bus driver work time regulations, and that safe work practices with driver shifts are being met."
Cara also noted that Ritchies was introducing new technology which included driver fatigue management systems and autonomous emergency braking on new buses.
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