Bus firm takes stand against drivers

The Naked Bus company says its drivers are not allowed to use cellphones while driving and they are constantly reminded of their obligations, a spokeswoman for the company says.

Angel Chen, a spokeswoman for nakedbus.com, which runs passenger bus services around New Zealand, made the comment after one of the company's subcontracted drivers was convicted of careless driving for using a cellphone while driving a bus with 10 passengers on board.

Grant Gordon Banks, an Auckland-based driver, was this week fined $1000 and disqualified from holding or obtaining any driving licences for six weeks.

Ms Angel said Banks was not employed by nakedbus.com but rather by a contractor.

"We take very seriously the safety of our customers at all times. As such, nakedbus.com has strict rules in place regarding the use of mobile phones and other devices," she said.

"We remind drivers regularly that they should under no circumstances use a mobile phone while the vehicle is in motion, unless they are using Bluetooth devices which are supplied to all drivers."

Ms Angel said no other nakedbus.com drivers have been prosecuted for using a cellphone while driving, or for any other matter.