New bus law will end give way confusion on city streets, operator says

Monday, 6 July 2026

Buses are about to get a lot harder to ignore.

Before the end of the year, motorists will be legally required to give way to buses pulling out of stops on roads with speed limits of 60kph or less, a long-awaited rule change Hamilton's biggest bus operator says will end confusion and help keep services moving.

The change, announced by the Government as part of a package of new transport laws, has also been welcomed by Hamilton City councillor and transport subcommittee deputy chairperson Sarah Thomson, who described it as 'sensible'.

She pointed out Waikato Regional Council was forced to close a bus stop on the southern end of inner-city Anglesea St 'because it was so poor for one of the buses to merge back into traffic and carry on its route'.

'This is much cheaper and less disruptive than making physical changes to the road layout,' Thomson said, referring to the controversial in-lane bus stops in Hamilton.

'If you've got a bus full of 30-40 people, I think it makes sense it should be able to go first than have to wait for a few individuals to keep driving past.'

Thomson said it's a much needed sign from central Government that public transport is beneficial, adding she's been 'disappointed' with the level of funding previously.

'I do think our current transport minister values public transport more than our previous one did… I hope this indicates a shift towards better support overall for public transport because fast-growing cities rely on it to get people around in an efficient way.

'The number one thing people need with public transport is reliability. The more reliable they can be in terms of turning up on schedule, the more attractive the services will be but it's one piece of a much bigger puzzle.'

Bus operator Kinetic's chief operating officer Stephen McKeefry welcomed the change, saying clarity around the rules has been deeply needed.

He added AA research earlier this year found half of motorists believed giving way to buses was already the law, while the other half thought they didn't have to or simply weren't sure.

'That uncertainty plays out at bus stops every day, and it's exactly what this rule will fix,' McKeefry said.

'This change gives both bus drivers and motorists certainty about what should happen when a bus is ready to re-enter traffic, and that supports a safer, more reliable transport network.'

The issue creates both safety and efficiency challenges, McKeefry said, with drivers on busy urban routes often forced to 'wait for a gap'.

'Some motorists let the bus in; some don't.

'When there isn't consistency in how other road users respond, drivers need to make more cautious decisions about when it's appropriate to merge, and those delays can build up across a route.'

Motorists who fail to give way face a $50 infringement fine, increasing to $250 if the matter proceeds to court, according to a Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport spokesperson.

How the rule is enforced will be an 'operational consideration' for police, whether through safety cameras or in-person enforcement.

The changes follow a nationwide consultation that attracted more than 6000 submissions. Other new rules include allowing children aged 12 and under to ride bicycles on footpaths, permitting e-scooters in cycle lanes and introducing a mandatory 1.5-metre passing distance when overtaking.

Thomson hopes the new rules will stop road users 'playing a guessing game' over who has right of way, while urging motorists to 'actually follow the rules'.

McKeefry echoed that message.

'It costs you a few seconds, and it keeps services running on time for the thousands of people who rely on them. Our drivers will continue to assess every situation before merging, just as they do today.'