Kinetic has become the first public transport operator in New Zealand to introduce mandatory pre-shift Drug & Alcohol (D&A) testing across its urban operations.
In a move that raises the bar for safety, all Kinetic urban drivers now have to complete a quick self-test prior to starting their shift. This initiative builds on the company’s existing Alcohol and Drug Policy, which includes pre-employment, random, post-incident and reasonable cause testing across its workforce and contractor base.
Testing devices have been installed across Kinetic’s urban depots in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch, with trained Drug and Alcohol programme staff onsite during shift sign-on periods to support daily operations.
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Kinetic New Zealand chief operating officer Stephen McKeefry says drug and alcohol testing in New Zealand’s transport sector has traditionally focused on established testing practices, but Kinetic’s approach goes a step further by introducing universal pre-shift testing, ensuring every driver is assessed before entering service each day.
“Operating public transport comes with significant responsibility. Our passengers trust us to deliver safe and reliable services every day, and that starts with ensuring our people are fit for duty,” McKeefry says.
“This is about leading from the front and continuing to invest in practical, scalable solutions that support safer outcomes for our passengers, our people and the communities we serve.”
While drug and alcohol testing is not mandated in this way under current regulations, Kinetic has chosen to go beyond compliance by strengthening its safety systems to reduce risk and protect passengers, employees and the communities it serves.
The rollout has been delivered using a solution provided by New Zealand-based drug and alcohol testing specialists Advance Diagnostics, a provider of certified, law-enforcement-grade testing technology used across safety-critical industries.
Advance Diagnostics has implemented a fully integrated, digitally connected testing system for Kinetic — combining law-enforcement-grade hardware with real-time data and reporting capabilities. The system is designed for high-availability, multi-site operations, enabling consistent, scalable testing across depot environments without disrupting daily operations, representing a step change from traditional, manual testing approaches.
Advance Diagnostics’ managing director Gee Singh says the programme represents a step forward for safety in the industry.
“Kinetic is taking a proactive leadership position in how safety is managed in public transport,” Singh says.
“This programme brings together proven testing technology with a connected digital platform, allowing testing to be carried out consistently and efficiently at scale. It’s a model that aligns well with safety-critical operations where reliability and accountability are essential.”
The programme is currently focused on urban operations, where structured shift sign-on points enable consistent pre-shift testing, but Kinetic is exploring how similar principles can be applied across its broader network over time.
The introduction comes as roadside drug testing is being rolled out across New Zealand, placing increased focus on impairment and safety across the wider transport system.
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