An ode to anything but cars

As I cycled home the other day, I was forced to stop for a passing train.

While I waited, I stared beyond the red traffic light and listened to the sound of the rails slowly rumbling past.

Damn, I thought to myself, I really miss passenger trains. In fact, I miss public transport full stop.

Don’t get me wrong, I know public transport exists in New Zealand, but it’s very much like that kitchen gadget you bought online after a few glasses of wine: you know it’s there, but you never really use it.

In a country so crippled by its reliance on cars, public transport is almost considered a mythical creature.

Most people may have grown up in a large city without ever using the bus and I have known colleagues who live 15 minutes away from their office by foot yet decide to drive.

It has been ingrained in Kiwis that driving is the only way to travel.

I understand that building such infrastructure for a team of 5 million might not make sense

OPINION:

(compared with how necessary the Tube is to a city of 18 million like London), but – please – can we give public transport the love it deserves?

Let me tell you why driving (especially for daily activities like going to the office) is not your best option.

Yes, you can sing really loudly to James Blunt without anyone hearing you, but that’s pretty much it.

In a bus, you get to enjoy 30 minutes of undisturbed time to yourself: you can respond to that family member you’ve been ignoring, read your book, rediscover your community by looking out the window or meet a random stranger. You won’t have to worry about rising fuel prices, that horrendous morning traffic (bus lanes, heya!) or parking in town.

And, if you’re looking for ways to help the environment, you’re doing your part right there.

Bus fares around the country are reduced by half until the end of January – with the financial factor out of the window, get yourself on a bus!

Still not keen on travelling alongside other people?

Grab your bicycle (or electric scooter!).

Cycling from the office is one of the best parts of my day: I get to wind down from work, listen to a podcast and feel satisfied that I’ve ticked off my daily workout.

Here’s my ode to anythingbut-cars, and hopefully it encourages you to jump on a bus and give it a go.

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