In a dramatic turn of events, Wellington’s train operator, Transdev, has threatened to cancel over 500 train services every fortnight due to an ongoing dispute with the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC). This conflict, rooted in financial disagreements over new leave entitlements, has put the city’s public transport system at risk, affecting thousands of daily commuters.

The Background of the Dispute

Since taking over the contract in 2016, Transdev has been responsible for running Wellington’s train services, employing all train staff. However, the relationship between Transdev and GWRC has not always been smooth. Tensions rose notably in March when concerns were raised by council chair Daran Ponter regarding staff shortages on the Wairarapa line.

Legislative Changes Sparking the Conflict

In July 2021, a significant legislative change doubled the minimum paid sick leave from five to ten days for employees. Following this, in 2022, the introduction of the Matariki public holiday added another layer of complexity to employment costs. According to documents obtained under the Local Government Information Act, these changes have led to a financial standoff between Transdev and GWRC.

The Financial Standoff

Transdev has argued that these legislative changes necessitate hiring 27 additional staff to maintain the current train timetable, a cost they believe should be compensated by GWRC. However, the council disagrees, stating that no such compensation is warranted. This disagreement escalated in August last year when Transdev proposed a drastic reduction in services to manage the financial burden.

In a letter to GWRC, Transdev outlined a scenario where 526 train services would be cancelled over a two-week period. They emphasized their reluctance to reduce services, acknowledging the negative impact on passengers and the future development of Wellington’s rail network.

Council’s Response

Samantha Gain, the Metlink group manager for GWRC, responded in October, stating that ongoing discussions had been happening for months. Legal advice supported the council’s stance that they could reject Transdev’s proposal to cut services. Gain also pointed out the lack of funds in the current economic climate to cover Transdev’s additional costs.

Public and Official Reactions

When the news broke, GWRC was quick to clarify that no service cuts had been implemented as per Transdev’s proposal. They emphasized that the proposed cuts were not part of the contractual agreement and had not been approved. Despite this, the dispute remains unresolved, with Transdev indicating that discussions are still ongoing regarding historical matters related to leave entitlements.

What This Means for Wellingtonians

The potential reduction in train services poses a significant challenge for Wellington residents. With public transport being a lifeline for many, any disruption could lead to increased road traffic, longer commutes, and environmental concerns due to higher vehicle emissions. The situation underscores the need for a resolution that balances financial viability with public service reliability.

Looking Forward

As this dispute continues, both Transdev and GWRC are under pressure to find a solution. For commuters, staying informed through platforms like One Network Wellington Live is crucial. We will continue to monitor this situation closely, providing updates and insights to ensure our readers are well-informed about the developments affecting their daily travel.

Transdev has stated they are committed to resolving these issues with GWRC, but due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations, they’ve refrained from further public comments. Meanwhile, GWRC maintains its position, focusing on fiscal responsibility while trying to avoid service disruptions.

This ongoing saga between Transdev and GWRC is a reminder of the delicate balance between operational costs and public service in urban transport systems. As Wellingtonians, our collective hope is for a swift and fair resolution that keeps our trains running smoothly.

This article was brought to you by One Network Wellington Live, your go-to source for all things related to Wellington’s public transport.