More than 200 bus drivers will lose their jobs when a new operator takes over many Wellington bus services next month.
Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
Wairarapa bus company Tranzit will run services throughout the Hutt Valley and Wellington, after winning the contract for 60 percent of bus services across the wider region.
Current contract-holder NZ Bus, which will still operate some services, has confirmed 226 bus drivers' jobs will go when Tranzit takes over.
Chief executive Zane Fulljames said the company was working through the redundancy process.
About 110 people will be made redundant when the Hutt Valley services change hands in mid-June, with a further 110 going from mid-July when Tranzit moves into Wellington city.
NZ Bus would still employ 300 people in the region, Mr Fulljames said.
Many of the drivers working with NZ Bus would take voluntary redundancy and retire, or go overseas.
Tranzit managing director Paul Snelgrove said Tranzit had hired drivers who worked for the company, but couldn't say how many.