GoBus are very smart operators; their management team have a very long history in the provision of urban public transport services dating back to deregulation of the industry in 1991. I would not underestimate them.

Harvey's comments re unionisation and pay rates are bang on the money. What I have been told by a colleague - but not confirmed - that the wages being offered to GoBus South Auckland drivers is lower than what NZ Bus were offering.

Interestingly NZ Bus have been participating in tenders for other regions, most of which operate under the gross contract rather than net contracts as are standard in AKL, WLG and CHC.