Residents of Island Bay, Wellington, are facing a new kind of challenge — not from earthquakes, but from the rumble of buses, which have become a source of anxiety, sleeplessness, and property damage. This phenomenon, dubbed “busquakes,” has sparked concern among locals and officials alike.

Residents have reported sleep disturbances and anxiety, with many claiming that the constant noise from heavy buses passing through the area at high speeds is disrupting their peace. Some have even described the vibrations from the vehicles as feeling like an earthquake, leading to complaints about property damage and the deterioration of homes.

Tracy Mawer, a local resident, said, “We used to have peace and quiet in our neighborhood. Now, it’s like living in a war zone. The noise is unbearable, and we’re worried about the long-term effects on our homes.”

Local officials have acknowledged the concerns and are working on solutions, including reviewing bus routes and speed limits in the area. An engineering report commissioned by the local council found that the current road infrastructure is not equipped to handle the volume and weight of buses passing through Island Bay, which has contributed to the damage and noise complaints.

Metlink, the public transport operator, has stated that it is committed to addressing the issue and has begun a dialogue with the local community to explore long-term solutions.

Meanwhile, residents continue to push for immediate action, with some calling for a complete overhaul of the bus routes that pass through their neighborhood. “We’re not asking for a lot,” said one resident. “We just want our homes and our peace of mind protected.”