My observations are based upon experience with NBus services north of Auckland.

There have been many improvements to the service over the last couple of years. It is obvious from new rules imposed upon NBus drivers that at least two of my letters pointing out deficiencies have brought corrective action, e.g. drivers no longer hold long cell phone conversations with their friends (even using Bluetooth) while driving fare-paying passengers - disgraceful disrespect for their safety! Difficulty is that NBus is only an on-line booking service; the buses and drivers are all contracted to NBus, meaning that NBus relies upon their contractors' goodwill to discipline rude or wayward drivers. I have used NBus many times, never encounter a rude driver and only once in four years arrived at my destination late, that time because of a sick passenger. My only ongoing complaint is the generic failure of most drivers, including NBus drivers, to come to a halt at compulsory stop signs, and in this case passenger service vehicles to come to a halt at uncontrolled railway level crossings. When drivers fail to halt at four, and often five out of five compulsory stop signs on one trip it is fair to say the problem is endemic and endangers passengers. None the less, I shall still use NBus and rate the service highly accordingly.

Reviewed over 11 years ago