Auckland Transport says it's called for immigration changes to help address bus driver shortages.

The organisation has removed nearly 1000 regularly cancelled services from its timetable.

Mayor Wayne Brown today called it a public transport crisis and said AT, Waka Kotahi, KiwiRail and the Immigration Minister should move to an emergency footing to maintain services.

AT's Richard Harrison says they're short about 500 drivers.

LISTEN ABOVE

• Nearly 1000 Auckland bus services suspended - Auckland Transport decision labeled ‘cynical’
• Auckland Transport axes bus services to reduce cancellations
• Mayor Wayne Brown calls for ‘emergency footing’ from agencies in face of public transport ‘crisis’