How to avoid traffic chaos during Brisbane bus driver strike

Bus services were cancelled at a rate of one a minute “due to staff availability”, even for a period after official strike action was due to end, as Brisbane’s Mayor responds to drivers’ pay demands.

Commuters faced disrupted services on Thursday morning due to the strike. Patria Jannides

Brisbane commuters faced frustration getting to work this morning, as bus drivers walk off the job between 4am and 6am, with more than 430 trips disrupted.

In the hour to 6am, some 52 services were cancelled “due to staff availability” according to TransLink.

Cancellations of services continued at the rate of one a minute for about 30 minutes after the strike was officially due to end.

The industrial action comes after a breakdown in pay negotiations last week between Brisbane City Council, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, and The Rail, Tram, and Bus Union.

Rail Tram and Bus Union state secretary Tom Brown said more rolling stoppages were likely unless there was a breakthrough, after a uniform ban and “work to rule’’ failed to end the deadlock.

The union has significantly dropped its pay demand, initially 7 per cent a year for two years, and now was after only 4.35 per cent a year for two years, or an extra $60-$63 a week — whichever amount was greater.

Striking bus drivers at Virginia.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, speaking on radio station 4BC on Thursday morning, said the sticking point of back pay could be resolved but “it depends how long this goes on’’.

“We can give that pay increase tomorrow if the unions settle on it (negotiations),’’ he said.

“We were able to deliver 80 per cent of services (this morning). While some of them (drivers) took action, the vast majority turned up.

“I think we will get to an agreement but we have to be responsible.’’

However he said council was negotiating with 12 unions on new EBAs and it had to bear that in mind, as well as his election commitment to keep rates rises as low as possible.

“This is a complex process. This process started mid last year,’’ he said.

Mr Schrinner told media at the launch of the new Kangaroo Point green bridge restaurant this morning that back pay had “always been on the table’’ and would have been paid before now if the union had come to an agreement.

In the event of future strike action, here are seven alternatives to taking the bus.

1. Work from home

If your workplace has an option to work from home one day a week, today might be the best day to take it.

2. Book a taxi

Depending on your location, using a taxi service like 13 cabs, Uber, DiDi, or Lyft can get you to work, but it will likely cost significantly more than taking the bus.

3. Start your shift later

Starting even just a half-hour later could help with reducing congestion on the roads. You could see increased traffic on your usual route, so allowing extra time to travel to work will make the trip less stressful.

4. Catch the train

Train travel will not be affected by the strike, but all lines could see increased passenger numbers due to the strike.

5. Carpool

If you live relatively close to one of your colleagues, carpooling could be an option to reduce congestion on the road.

6. Hire an electric scooter

Electric scooters are scattered throughout Brisbane’s CBD, and could be an option to get you to work without having to pre-book transport.

7. Take the day off

While not entirely employer-friendly, pulling a ‘sickie’ is the best way to avoid travel disruptions.

Originally published as How to avoid traffic chaos during Brisbane bus driver strike